New Delhi: The Congress on Thursday opposed the decision of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to increase the fine to Rs 2,000 from Rs 500, on those caught without a mask, saying that the move will "increase corruption" in the national capital.
Earlier today, the Delhi Government convened an All Party meeting to discuss the ways to prevent the spread of Coronavirus, where both Congress and BJP accused the state government for negligence and mismanagement in tackling the COVID situation, which led to a surge in cases.
Soon after the meeting, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Anil Chowdhury released a video message, in which he said, "Today's announcement of increase in fine charges on not wearing mask in Delhi shows that Arvind Kejriwal has failed completely in managing the COVID-19 situation. An all-party meeting was called today, after eight months, but no discussion was being held on the imposition of fines. It was just a formality. This decision of Delhi Government shows the dictatorship of Arvind Kejriwal."
"This decision will increase corruption in Delhi. Who will take the responsibility that people will not negotiate before giving this fine? Increasing fine at a time when people are already suffering from financial crisis proves that Kejriwal ji needs money for his personal publicity for which he has imposed such decision," he further alleged.
During the meeting, Congress even opposed the re-closure of Delhi's markets, stating that another lockdown will create an employment crisis for millions of people as well as a loss to the business community.
Read: Rs 2,000 fine for not wearing mask in Delhi: Kejriwal
The DPCC Chief also mentioned that people are suffering from financial crisis, which was also accepted by Aam Admi Party leader Saurabh Bhardwaj, due to which direct cash should be provided to the people having small and medium businesses.
"We oppose this decision and we want to suggest that rather than imposing fine on people, Kejriwal ji should make them aware. There should be a fine of Rs 100 and Arvind Kejriwal should distribute masks among the people," Anil Chowdhury suggested.
On the other hand, Congress also blamed the Central Government for not taking corrective measures at the right time, leading to a spread of coronavirus across the country.
Congress leader Rashid Alvi said, "Corona cases in Delhi are increasing day by day. BJP blames Arvind Kejriwal for this situation of COVID-19, and he blames BJP in return, while people of Delhi are suffering from the health crisis."
"The entire responsibility lies on the Central Government. If the Government of India had taken correct measures on time, the entire country wouldn't have had to suffer from this crisis. But the Prime Minister was busy in organising 'Namaste Trump'. Even if the people of India were suffering, he just didn't care," he added.
However, CM Arvind Kejriwal, while addressing a press conference, appealed to all political parties to set aside politics and fight together against COVID-19 pandemic.
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