NEW DELHI: The Congress on Saturday launched an all-out attack on the Centre over the handling of the pandemic, accusing it of “colossal mismanagement”, and cautioned of an “unprecedented catastrophe” unless urgent corrective measures are taken. The party also charged PM Narendra Modi with “shocking callousness” for addressing rallies in poll-bound West Bengal “instead of staying in Delhi” to handle the COVID pandemic situation. The highest decision-making body of the Congress, chaired by party chief Sonia Gandhi, met here virtually to discuss the situation in the country and suggest measures to the government to tackle the crisis.
Accusing the Modi government of “gross unpreparedness” and “adhocism” in managing the crisis, Congress president Sonia Gandhi suggested reducing the immunisation age to 25 years, especially those with co-morbidities, and providing income support to people.
At the meeting of the Congress Working Committee (CWC), she also called for making all equipment, medicines and instruments required for treating Covid-19 free of the GST.
Addressing a press conference after the meet that lasted over two-and-a-half hours, Congress’ senior spokesperson P Chidambaram said concrete suggestions made by CWC members would be sent to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a letter by former PM Manmohan Singh.
On allowing the Kumbh Mela to proceed, former Union minister P Chidambaram said the damage has been done. “Locking the stable after the horses have bolted. All economic indicators presented a grim picture, and a lockdown will further worsen the situation,” he added.