THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government repeatedly stated that they will not withdraw the condition of making mandatory vaccine certificate to go to the shops. Health Minister Veena George told the assembly that the second wave of the Delta virus was spreading and as the government has the responsibility to protect the people, the condition was tightened. The restrictions were imposed for the safety of the people. The police have a responsibility to prevent when they bypass the restrictions, she said.

However, the opposition criticised in harsh language the action of making vaccine certificate compulsory. Opposition leader V D Satheesan said the government was making fun of the people.

Kerala Government is a ‘fine imposing government’. Only people below 50 percent in the state have taken at least one dose of the vaccine. The remaining 57.86 per cent have to pay Rs 500 for RTPCR testing certificate to go to the shop. What kind of restriction is this, asked the opposition leader? Even prominent personalities are criticising the restrictions imposed, he said.

The opposition walked out of the assembly after permission was denied for an adjournment motion. Many including traders were against the conditions imposed by the government.