'One-Size-Fit-All Lockdown' Brought Untold Misery, Isolate Covid-19 Hotspots: Rahul Gandhi to Modi Govt

He recommended the government to use mass testing to isolate virus hotspots and allow businesses in other areas to gradually reopen.

File Photo: PTI

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been critical of the way Narendra Modi-led central government is handling the Coronavirus pandemic in the country. For his fresh attack, Gandhi took to Twitter and said that the nationwide lockdown is economically hurting the poor and that a more planned approach should be adopted to eradicate their misery. He recommended the government to use mass testing to isolate virus hotspots and allow businesses in other areas to gradually reopen.

The one-size-fit-all lockdown has brought untold misery & suffering to millions of farmers, migrant labourers, daily wagers & business owners.

It needs a “smart” upgrade, using mass testing to isolate virus hotspots & allowing businesses in other areas to gradually reopen. — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) April 13, 2020

After Prime Minister Modi announced the extension of nationwide lockdown, the Congress party has questioned the government's strategy to help the poor. It has also asked the Centre about how they plan to carry out mass testing of people for coronavirus. The Congress had earlier suggested some measures to be adopted during the lockdown. These include a suggestion by the party president Sonia Gandhi, that the poor be provided free ration for six months. On Monday, the Congress chief Sonia Gandhi said, "Ten kg grain per person may be provided free for six months to those who may be facing food insecurity but not having ration cards. I would like to bring to your notice that all migrant laborers may not be holding NFSA cards. In addition, many deserving people have been excluded from the NFSA lists."

I would like to bring to your notice that all migrant labour who have been facing acute distress may not be holding NFSA cards. In addition, many deserving people have been excluded from the NFSA lists: Congress President. Smt. Sonia Gandhi pic.twitter.com/NckIfAXbXn

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 13, 2020

A senior leader Anand Sharma has demanded that a stimulus package be created for MSME and Industries.

लॉकडाउन को हटाने के लिए तीन चरणों की बात हो रही है। प्रथम चरण में कुछ आर्थिक गतिविधियों की शुरुआत। यहाँ बड़ी संख्या में दिहाड़ी मजदूर हैं। MSMEs को पुनर्जीवित किया जाए : @AnandSharmaINC pic.twitter.com/GnTmJcLB5C

— Congress (@INCIndia) April 14, 2020

Watch: Sonia Gandhi appeals to stay indoors, follow social-distancing | Full Speech