Modi-style lockdown the worst thing to do, first prepare people: Congress

Many state governments, including Delhi and Maharashtra, have dropped a hint of announcing a lockdown while the Congress party suggested that it should be done only if the governments are "fully prepared".

New Delhi: Amid a rapid surge in COVID-19 cases, many state governments, including Delhi and Maharashtra, have dropped a hint of announcing a lockdown while the Congress party on Monday suggested that it should be done only if the governments are "fully prepared".

The Opposition party also took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying that announcing a lockdown, the way he did last year, would be the "worst thing".

When asked if the Congress is in favour of announcing another lockdown, party spokesperson and senior leader Dr Ajoy Kumar said, "Lockdown has to be decided by health experts. I sincerely believe that it is necessary. But you cannot impose a lockdown arbitrarily. You need to be prepared. What if the unorganised labourers want to go back home? Have you made arrangements for them? Have you made arrangements for food delivery?"

Attacking the Narendra Modi-led Central government, the Congress leader said, "Imposing a lockdown in Modi's style is the worst thing you can do. You prepare for a lockdown. You prepare the people, make preparations for food, make preparations for the poor people and then if necessary, you do it."

Recently, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal warned that the capital may have to be put under lockdown if hospitals start running out of COVID beds. Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope also told the media that the final decision on lockdown will be taken after April 14.

The state governments of Maharashtra, Punjab, Odisha and Chhattisgarh are also complaining about the shortage of vaccines, seeking an urgent supply from the Central government.

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"Firstly, make vaccines available. Get anywhere from the world. Provide vaccines to the people. Then ensure that Remdesivir and other medicines are available, not just for the Gujarat BJP chief but for all," Kumar demanded.

He also reiterated the demand made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in his letter to the prime minister on the matter of vaccine shortage, seeking fast-track approvals for other vaccine candidates. Today, Russian Sputnik V vaccine got approved by India under "Emergency Use Authorisation".