Fadnavis' 22-year-old nephew gets vaccinated, BJP leader clarifies 'he is a distant relative'

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister and current Leader of Opposition, Devendra Fadnavis, faced the ire of netizens after pictures of his nephew Tanmay Fadnavis, said to be about 22 years old, getting vaccinated surfaced.

Fadnavis on Tuesday reacted to the news and said,"Tanmay is a distant relative".

"I have no idea under which criteria he received his dose. If it has been taken as per guidelines, then there should be no objection. But if it is in violation of guidelines, it is completely improper," he said, adding that his wife and daughter haven't received the jabs yet as they don't qualify for it.

After the picture surfaced, Congress leaders seized the opportunity and rightfully slammed Fadnavis. B Srivatsa, a leader of Youth Congress, asked Fadnavis if Tanmay falls in the category."Just like Remdesivir, are you hoarding vaccines and giving it to your family members? People are dying. There is vaccine shortage. But Fadnavis family is safe, (sic)" he tweeted.

From April 2, the government started vaccinating all people above 45 years. India started its vaccination drive on January 16 with priority given to all healthcare and frontline workers in the first phase. The second phase started on March 1 where doses were administered to people above the age of 60 and those between 45 and 59 years with specific comorbidities.

Yesterday, India announced its third phase of vaccination drive, wherein everyone who is aged 18 and above can get the jab from May 1 at recognized centers.