Immense Panic And Confusion Because Of Sudden Lockdown: Rahul Gandhi Writes To PM Modi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that the sudden lockout announced by the central government has created immense panic and confusion. In a letter to the prime minister on Sunday, the Wayanad MP highlighted the plight of the poor – especially migrant workers. He also asked to follow steps other than complete lockdown announced by few developed nations to tackle the deadly COVID-19. “It is critical for us to understand that India’s conditions are unique. We will be required to take different steps than other large countries who are following a total lockdown strategy,” he said.

Gandhi said the number of poor people in India who are daily wagers is too large to unilaterally shut down all economic activities in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. “The consequences of a complete economic shut down will disastrously amplify the death toll arising from COVID-19,” he feared.

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“The sudden lockdown has created immense panic and confusion, he said, adding factories, small industries and construction sites have closed, and tens of thousands of migrant labourers are undertaking arduous journey to reach their home states. The Gandhi scion said the labourers have been rendered vulnerable without their daily wages or access to nutrition and basic services,” Gandhi said.

“It is important that we help such sections find shelter and provide them with money directly into their bank accounts to help them tide over the next few months, he added.

The Congress leader underlined that the complete lockdown will certainly leave millions of youths without jobs and they will have no option but to rush to their villages. This will increase the risk of infecting their parents and the elderly population living in villages. “This will result in a catastrophic loss of life,” he noted.

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Meanwhile, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor has attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for announcing a 21-day nationwide lockdown to fight the spread of the COVID-19. The Congress leader has accused the prime minister of not giving people enough time to prepare before the lockdown was imposed. "Na Hee Tab Taiyari Thee Na Hee Ab Taiyari Hai, Tab Bhi Janata Haari Thi, Ab Bhi Janata Haari Hai (Neither there was a preparation then (apparently referring to demonetization), nor now. That time also the common man was at the receiving end, so is today)," Tharoor wrote on Twitter.