Priyanka Gandhi holds meeting with UP leaders amid rising COVID cases

Amid growing concerns over the spread of the novel coronavirus, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra held a virtual meeting with party leaders of Uttar Pradesh to discuss the COVID-19 situation in the state.

New Delhi: Amid a rapid surge in COVID-19 cases, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra held a virtual meeting with party leaders of Uttar Pradesh to discuss the deteriorating situation in the state.

On Tuesday, Uttar Pradesh reported 18,021 new COVID-19 cases and 85 deaths, while India reported the highest ever one day spike with over 1.8 lakh cases and 1,027 deaths.

Gandhi had called an emergency meeting of the state leaders to discuss the matter and to know about the real condition of the state.

She reiterated to the leaders that being an Opposition party, it is their responsibility to keep working for the welfare of the people amid this pandemic.

While addressing the meeting, Gandhi said, "I believe we should get a proper brief from our respective areas so that we can prepare our party's strategy to help and support people. The opposition's duty is to fight for the rights of people and Congress is committed to that. It is a promise to the people of the state that the Congress party is ready for all possible help."

Showing concern over the COVID-19 situation, she stated, "The condition of COVID-19 in Uttar Pradesh is appalling. Surprisingly, there is a sense of complete negligence from the state government. Testing is not allowed in private labs. You need a letter from the CMO to get admission to a hospital. It is a double attack on the people, one from the virus and another from this government. Such rules and regulations are creating more problems in the lives of people instead of giving support to them."

Uttar Pradesh is also witnessing a shortage of Remdesivir due to which the state health department has been directed to acquire 25,000 injections of Remdesivir from Gujarat on an urgent basis.

"At the height of inhumanity, the government is increasing the capacity of crematoriums instead of increasing the capacity of the hospital. The government is not playing with the data but with people's lives," the Congress leader further alleged.

Meanwhile, on Wednesday, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also informed that he has been tested COVID positive and has isolated himself. The announcement came a day after he went under isolation as some of his officials had got infected by the virus.