China could be behind second COVID-19 wave in India: Vijayvargiya
What's the story
BJP General Secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya has said it is a "matter of discussion" if the second wave of COVID-19 in India was an outbreak or China had a hand in it. A video of Vijayvargiya's speech at a function in Indore went viral on Tuesday. "There is a COVID-19 second wave. It was an outbreak, or was it sent?" Vijayvargiya questioned in the video.
War
'This is a viral war by China to harass India'
"It is a matter of discussion because if any country in the world has challenged China, it is India...Prime Minister Narendra Modi has challenged (China)," he said. "We think this is a viral war by China to harass India, because the COVID-19 second wave was reported only in India and not in neighboring countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Afghanistan," he said.
Statement
Vijayvargiya should clarify his statement: Congress
It could not be ascertained if he said war or vaar which means blow/attack in Hindi. While the BJP leader could not be contacted for comment, some witnesses said he made these statements at an event organized by a trust to distribute oxygen concentrators on Monday. Opposition Congress said he should clarify what he wanted to say.
Negligence
Union government's negligence reason behind second wave: Congress
"Does Vijayvargiya want to say that China has waged a biological war against India? He holds a responsible position in the BJP and he should make clear the intent behind his statement," state Congress Spokesperson Neelabh Shukla said. "The negligence of the BJP-led Union government was responsible for the second wave of COVID-19," he alleged.
Information
India reported less than two lakh cases on Tuesday
Meanwhile, India on Tuesday reported less than two lakh new COVID-19 cases, the lowest daily rise in infections since mid-April. The death toll has reached 3,07,231. So far, 2,40,54,861 patients have recovered, while 25,86,782 cases involve active infections.