BJP, TRS in blame game as Telangana virus cases rise

Hyderabad: BJP, which has maintained a political understanding with the Telangana Rashtra Samiti, on Monday held rallies against the state government and blamed it for the poor infrastructure and Covid-19 tests. Telangana reported its highest rise in Covid-19, with 872 cases on Monday, taking the total to 8,674 and 217 deaths. It also has one of the highest positivity rates at 15.2% with just 57,054 tests. Countering BJP’s arguments, TRS said the Centre diverted Covid-19 testing machines the state had ordered. It also slammed ICMR for frequently changing guidelines on Covid-19 tests and treatment.

State officials released letters of the Union health ministry to prove that imported testing machines Telangana ordered were diverted to West Bengal. Telangana health minister Etela Rajender said the state would have conducted more tests had the Centre not diverted machines. Addressing a virtual rally on Saturday, BJP national president JP Nadda held the TRS government responsible for high numbers in Telangana.