Sonia reviews efforts to tackle COVID-19 in Cong-ruled states
Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday reviewed the efforts by the states ruled by her celebration to tackle the second wave of the coronavirus an infection and the vaccination drive. Addressing a digital assembly with the chief ministers of the Congress-ruled states and ministers of the celebration in states the place it’s in energy in alliance with others, she stated the precedence must be to take a look at, observe and vaccinate. Former Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, his Punjab counterpart Amarinder Singh and Chhattisgarh counterpart Bhupesh Baghel have been amongst those that participated in the assembly.
While Singh identified that Punjab’s vaccination inventory will final for 5 extra days, Baghel stated Chhattisgarh will run out of the vaccine inventory in three days.
The Congress chief additionally reviewed the efforts to battle COVID-19, together with the provision of vaccines, entry to medicines and ventilators, chief spokesperson of the celebration Randeep Surjewala stated.
“The priority is to test, track and vaccinate,” he wrote on Twitter, quoting Sonia Gandhi.
“The (Narendra) Modi government has mismanaged the COVID situation. It has exported the vaccines and allowed a shortage to be created in India,” the Congress chief stated on the assembly.
She stated all public gatherings and ballot rallies must be cancelled because the variety of COVID-19 instances is on the rise and requested the chief ministers if the financial packages introduced by the Centre had the specified affect.
“Mass gatherings for elections and religious events have accelerated COVID for which all of us are responsible to some extent. We need to accept this responsibility and keep the interest of the nation above our own,” Sonia Gandhi stated.
Surjewala stated the Punjab chief minister has identified a vaccine scarcity.
“He candidly points out that Central Govt has given no assurance of numbers and supply,” he wrote on Twitter.
Surjewala additionally stated Gehlot has identified that the scarcity of vaccines is a actuality that can’t be wished away.
“Pointing to the spurt in infections, he states that Centre must take States on board as stakeholders and not as adversaries,” he stated.
Quoting Baghel, Surjewala stated he underlined the steps taken by the Chhattisgarh authorities to battle COVID-19 and identified that the state has solely three days of vaccine inventory left.
In her introductory remarks, Sonia Gandhi stated the variety of coronavirus instances goes up and because the principal opposition celebration, it’s the duty of the Congress to elevate points and push the federal government to transfer away from “PR tactics” and act in the curiosity of individuals.
“Therefore, there must be transparency. Governments must reveal the actual numbers of infections and deaths across the states, whether Congress-ruled or otherwise.”
“We must focus on India’s vaccination drive first and foremost, then only export vaccines and gift them to other countries. We must stress on responsible behaviour — adhering to all laws and COVID regulations without an exception,” she stated.
The Congress chief stated cooperation with the states is exhibiting respect to federalism and it’s equally necessary for the states to be constructive and cooperate with the Centre in its efforts to battle the pandemic.
“We are all united in this fight,” she stated.
Sonia Gandhi stated strict measures want to be taken in the Congress-ruled states to be sure that the pandemic doesn’t go uncontrolled and large-scale testing, preparation of ample amenities and organising momentary ones must be ensured.
“We must make all efforts to support those who face the brunt of reduced economic activity as the restrictions become harder and more stringent,” she stated.
Gandhi requested, “Is there enough vaccine available? Has the central government been cooperative? What are our states doing to ensure the availability of oxygen, ventilators and other facilities as the pandemic grows?”
“What are your views on another lockdown? What about the economic fallout? How bad is the situation in your state? Should public gatherings, including election rallies, not be cancelled?” she requested.
Stating that varied packages have been introduced by the Centre to assist MSMEs and stimulate the financial system, the Congress chief requested, “What impact have these packages had and what more should the government be doing to deal with the continuing crisis? Do you see economic recovery happening in the manner that is being officially claimed?”
“According to our discussion on COVID, I would like to be briefed on the latest situation regarding the agitation of farmers that has been going on now for well over five months.”
“The Congress-ruled states have passed their own laws but those have not received the presidential assent. What more should we do even though the keys to the solution are with the Centre, which has created the problem in the first place,” she stated.
(With PTI inputs)
