Chennai: The BJP's promise of free Covid vaccine in Bihar ahead of state elections, was followed by a "me too" announcement from Tamil Nadu. The criticism of the BJP move on social media and among opposition parties going full swing, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami said a vaccine will be distributed free of charge in his state as well."Once COVID-19 vaccine is ready, it will be provided to all people of the state free of cost," announced the Chief Minister, whose state is due for election next year.It is a crucial election for the ruling AIADMK, which is trying for a third term. For Mr Palaniswami, who became an accidental Chief Minister after his predecessor Jayalalithaa's death, this is the first election as a Chief Ministerial candidate.DMK Chief MK Stalin, who narrowly missed the top job in 2016, is trying hard to capture power after his party swept 2019 lok sabha polls. Party spokesperson A Saravanan said, "We will win the elections and it will be the DMK government that would give out the free Covid vaccine in Tamil Nadu next year".The BJP announcement -- included in its manifesto for the Bihar polls -- has become hugely controversial, with most opposition parties from the Congress to Aam Aadmi Party denouncing it.Congress's Rahul Gandhi was among the first to issue a jibe. "GOI just announced India's Covid access strategy. Kindly refer to the state-wise election schedule to know when will you get it, along with a hoard of false promises," his tweet read.