Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Thursday expressed concerns over the hardships faced by people and loss of jobs caused by the ongoing nationwide lockdown announced to contain the spread of the novel Coronavirus.
At the Congress Working Committee (CWC) meeting, Sonia launched into a tirade against the BJP, saying the BJP was spreading "communcal prejudice and hatred."
She said: "Let me also share with you something that should worry each and every one as Indians. When we should be tackling the coronavirus unitedly, the BJP continues to spread the virus of communal prejudice and hatred.
Speaking of unemployment, Sonia said at least 12 crore jobs were lost during the first phase of the lockdown and unemployment was likely to increase in future.
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"Sections of our society, especially farmers, labourers, migrant workers, face acute hardship due to lockdown," she said, adding the virus has increased disturbingly both in spread and speed since past three weeks.
"It is imperative to provide at least Rs 7,500 to each family to tide over crisis caused by coronavirus lockdown," She said.
The interim president of the grand old party added that MSMEs employ close to 11 crore people and account for one-third of GDP and therefore a special package should be announced for their survival.
Trade, commerce, industry have come to virtual halt and crores of livelihoods have been destroyed, she said.
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Lauding the efforts of frontline workers, Sonia said: "The doctors, nurses, paramedics, health workers, sanitation workers and essential service providers, NGO and the lakhs of citizens providing relief to the most needy all over India. Their dedication and determination truly inspire us all."
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said the success of lockdown is to be judged finally on our ability to tackle COVID-19. "Cooperation between the Centre and States is key to success of our fight against Covid,” he said.
