New Delhi: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday criticised the government for "unplanned" implementation of the countrywide lockdown that she said had caused "chaos and pain" to millions of migrant workers, at a Congress working committee held via a video conference. Calling for availability of all necessary equipment for medical professionals, she said the onus lies on the government to ensure that the spread of infection and casualties are not caused owing to lack of infrastructure or preparedness

The Congress working committee met on the backdrop of country facing the coronavirus pandemic and took feedback from the congress-ruled states, as party has been suggesting various measures to help the marginalised sections and daily wagers.

Sonia Gandhi in her opening remarks slammed the government, saying "the 21-day National Lockdown may have been necessary but the unplanned manner in which it has been implemented has caused chaos and pain in the lives of millions of migrant workers all over India."

"The magnitude of the challenge before us is daunting but our resolve to overcome it must be greater," she said.

"Our doctors, nurses, and health workers need all the support possible. Personal Protection Equipment such as hazmat suits, N-95 masks, etc must be provided to them on a war footing. Equally important are Ventilators and breathing equipment, isolation beds and designated hospitals to treat Covid-19. The onus lies on Government to ensure that the spread of infection and casualties are not caused owing to lack of infrastructure or preparedness," she added.

Sonia Gandhi said that the pandemic has already caused untold suffering across the world, but it has also reaffirmed the bonds of brotherhood that unite humanity and those who are most vulnerable to the consequences of this pandemic are the poor and disadvantaged.

"We must come together for their sake and do all we can to support them through the difficult days that lie ahead," said Sonia.