PM Narendra Modi’s photo removed from CoWIN certificates due to model code of conduct

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi image has been removed from the CoWIN certificates for Covid-19 vaccinations, which is a significant change made by the Union health ministry. Previously, these certificates prominently displayed Modi’s image along with a phrase affirming India’s collective resolve to conquer coronavirus. While the quote “Together, India will defeat COVID-19” is still attributed to the prime minister, his name has been removed from the certificates, according to The Hindu.
Following vaccine manufacturer AstraZeneca’s confession in a UK court, speculations on Covishield’s possible relation with Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), an uncommon side effect involving blood clotting, have resurfaced. Many people in India have checked their vaccination certificates following this development.
Officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed ThePrint on Tuesday that the image was deleted from the vaccine certificate since the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) was in effect for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
It’s worth mentioning that Modi’s photo has been removed from Covid vaccination certificates before. In 2022, Modi’s image was also removed from vaccination certificates in five states: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur, and Goa. The Election Commission of India (ECI) ordered this action ahead of the state assembly elections.