Opposition supports Modi’s call for a ‘people’s curfew’
THE PM APPEALED TO THE CITIZENS TO OBSERVE A VOLUNTARY CURFEW ON SUNDAY
nNEW DELHI: The Congress supported Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for a “people’s curfew” on Sunday and said it will stand by the government in its efforts to tackle the coronavirus pandemic as a number of other states backed the Centre’s measures to fight the disease.
In his address to the nation on Thursday evening, the PM appealed to the citizens to observe a voluntary curfew on Sunday from 7am to 9pm, stay indoors and praise the efforts of health workers.
“We will help spread the word on preventive measures and also help with any emergency services. We will also organise any emergency services if needed,” Congress spokesperson Ajay Maken told reporters.
However, he said Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was the first to flag the issue and its urgency on February 12. He also urged the government to test more people. “We also urge that all staff assisting with tests and checks should be provided adequate personal protection equipment,” added Maken.
Congress-ruled Rajasthan expressed its support. “Our government is with the PM to fight and defeat coronavirus. We have taken all stakeholders along to fight this virus including opposition parties, medical experts and religious leaders,” said chief minister Ashok Gehlot.
The Maharashtra government didn’t react to the announcement but home minister Anil Deshmukh said, “If the PM has appealed people to appreciate the doctors, paramedical staff and ones involved in essential services during this hour of crisis, it is a noble move as they have been tirelessly working in the interest of the society.”
Odisha chief minister, Naveen Patnaik, tweeted his support too. “Extraordinary circumstances demand extraordinary response. #Covid19 is a challenge for the entire human race. Let’s all join as one nation and support the appeal of PM.”
Telangana health minister Etela Rajender did not respond to calls or text messages but Andhra Pradesh special chief secretary (medical and health) KS Jawahar Reddy said the PM’S call was essentially to sensitise people on maintaining social distance.
“While the state government can take steps to prevent spread of Coronavirus …it is the people who should behave in a responsible manner. Modi’s call is aimed at the people, rather than the governments,” he said.
In Kerala, the ruling CPI(M) said it welcomed Modi’s suggestions to combat the virus but added that it expected an economic package to address the woes of poor and daily-wagers. “What the PM said is right. But we expected some package to bail out the worst-affected, poor and daily wagers,” said party leader AV Abdul Khadar.
A senior minister in West Bengal indicated the state government might not back the programme. “If a Prime Minister is saying like this how can I agree? Secondly this sounds like a RSS [Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh] programme. He could have told how the union government would help the state governments to fight the disease. Instead he said that he has asked the finance minister to take steps without divulging any details. There is a subtle Hindutva in ringing the bells. I am disappointed,” said Subrata Mukherjee, senior Trinamool Congress leader and a cabinet minister.