Instead of tackling COVID-19, BJP polarising society, spreading virus of communal prejudice: Cong

The Congress Thursday expressed concern over the BJP's alleged attempt to polarise society and inflame communal divisions, with Sonia Gandhi accusing it of spreading the virus of hatred, causing "grave damage" to social harmony.

The Congress held a marathon meeting of its working committee in which it suggested utilisation of the remaining period of lockdown to prepare and publish a detailed 'exit strategy' and a comprehensive 'road-map' for the future.

Top Congress leaders met through videoconferencing for almost four hours and suggested measures to substantially ramp up health infrastructure to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and revive the economy and protect employment and wages/incomes.

"The CWC notes with concern that the BJP is seeking to inflame communal divisions even as the entire nation battles Covid-19. The virus does not discriminate on the basis of caste, creed, religion or gender.

"As a nation, we must be wary of forces that seek to polarise in times of crisis such as these. The onus lies on us to ensure that we stand together as one nation in the face of all odds," the party said in a unanimous resolution.

The CWC also hoped the government will consider its suggestions in the constructive spirit to help the country and the people emerge victorious in this battle.

Addressing the meeting, Congress chief Sonia Gandhi alleged the BJP's attempt to create communal polarisation should worry every Indian and her party will have to work hard to repair the damage.

"Let me also share with you something that should worry each and every one of us as Indians. When we should be tackling the coronavirus unitedly, the BJP continues to spread the virus of communal prejudice and hatred," she said.

"Grave damage is being done to our social harmony. Our party, we will have to work hard to repair that damage," the Congress chief added.

This is the second time the CWC, the Congress' top decision-making body, is meeting through videoconferencing in the three weeks.

Former prime minister Manmohan said the success of the lockdown will be judged finally on India's ability to tackle COVID-19.

He also said the cooperation between the Centre and states was key to success of the country's fight against coronavirus and it would very much depend on the availability of resources.

Party leader Rahul Gandhi said issues of migrant workers must be addressed on priority and lockdown beyond May 3 should only be continued in COVID hotspots, not green zones.

"Issue of migrant workers needs to be addressed as a first priority. Lockdown is a mere pause button," he said.

"As a nation, we need to think of a transition from a (complete) lockdown to lockdown only in disease hotspot zones and commencement of activities in the green zones."
Referring to several letters written to the PM, she said, "Unfortunately, they have been acted upon only partially and in a miserly way. The compassion, large-heartedness and alacrity that should be forthcoming from the central government is conspicuous by its absence."