New Delhi:Congress senior leader Anand Sharma lashed out at Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for her statement over Rahul Gandhi's interaction with migrant labourers, saying, "We expect seriousness, gravitas from her, what she has said against Congress party is frivolous."
The Union Minister held an attack against the opposition party during a press briefing regarding the fifth and last tranche of stimulus package, by saying that merely sitting with them or talking to them while they walk on roads in the heat is not going to serve any purpose.
"Go walk with them, pick up their bags rather than sitting next to them and talking to them," she added.
Replying to her statement, Congress leader said, "FM should maintain her dignity while addressing media. Rahul has the right to show his empathy and sensitivity. I can understand her frustration, she had already damaged our country's economy, much before this pandemic."
Regarding Sitharaman's statement that Sonia Gandhi should have asked her Chief Ministers to help migrant workers, Anand Sharma said that Congress President does not need to "learn" anything from FM and Congress party has stood by the vulnerable people of this country from the very beginning.
"FM should answer, she should not question. Did the government even take a look of the pain and plight of these migrant workers who are walking hundreds of kilometres with empty stomach? One way preaching is going on. The government should apologize to the migrant workers as their fundamental rights have been violated," he further added.
Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala also slammed FM's statement in today's press conference. He said, "Stop sprinkling salt in the wounds of the migrant labourers, instead of giving them some relief. Worker's helplessness seems like a drama to you? You've insulted the workers and thus the government should apologize to them."
Meanwhile, FM also alleged that the Congress-led state governments are not allowing enough Shramik Special Trains for the movement of stranded migrant labourers, to which Anand Sharma replied, "Each and every state is fulfilling its duty of arranging special trains for the migrant workers. FM should have some patience. She should not reach at such a level that a conversation between Government and opposition parties would get affected."
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