Cong slams 'thoughtless' lockdown, links it to demonetisation

The Congress on Sunday slammed the lack of preparedness by the Modi government before announcing the "thoughtless" lockdown to curb the coronavirus outbreak, alleging it was making "hasty" decisions in the same manner as it did during the 2017 demonetisation exercise.

"Unfortunately, history is repeating itself today," Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi said.

"The lockout was announced in the same way as the hasty demonetisation was done. Please do not make such decisions," he said at a press briefing via a video link, referring to the mass exodus of migrant labourers being reported from several parts of the country, including Delhi.

However, senior Congress leader Anand Sharma said India must remain strong and united in the fight against the virus and it's everyone's "national duty" to stand behind Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Endorsing Congress president Sonia Gandhi's call to rise above sectarian divisions, Sharma said, "Our response must be national and uniform not a fragmented one".

"PM Shri Narendra Modi leads the national campaign and chief ministers are the commanders in states. Supporting their effort is a national duty," he tweeted.

But Sharma too raised the issue of lack of preparedness and the exodus of migrant labourers.

"The fight against COVID19 is a national challenge. It is a matter of concern that central and state administration were not fully prepared to sensitively deal with the fallout of closure of businesses and the forced movement of migrant workers following loss of work and wages," he said.

Sharma called for providing urgent relief, food and shelter to the labourers, adding it was "heart rending to see our citizens suffer". "Each one of us should help and contribute to the best of our ability."