The Congress Working Committee (CWC), which met here on Thursday through video-conferencing, criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for “spreading the virus of communal prejudice and hatred” amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The party said later in a statement that the Union government can “vastly bolster the States’ efforts by providing them with adequate financial support starting with releasing their full share of the Goods and Services Tax collected so far and allowing them greater fiscal space to borrow”.

Party president Sonia Gandhi said that it is disturbing that the pandemic has increased both in spread and speed in three weeks. “The Central government does not appear to have a clear idea on how the situation will be managed after May 3. A lockdown of the present nature after that date would be even more devastating,” she added.

‘Co-operation is key’

Former prime minister Manmohan Singh said that success of the lockdown is to be judged on the country’s ability to tackle the pandemic and the cooperation between the Centre and States is key to battle the Covid-19. “It is necessary to focus on a number of issues in this fight. It would depend upon the availability of resources,” he said. 

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh said resources of ₹4,400 crore of GST have still not been released by the Centre. “In place of one lakh rapid testing kits, we have received only 10,000 of Chinese make. Their authenticity is to be tested still,” he said. Rajasthan Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot, said that there is an urgent need for centralised procurement of kits, ventilators, etc. “Unless the Centre comes forward to financially help the States, the fight against Covid 19 will get weakened,” he said.

Former Finance Minister P Chidambaram said there are three major issues. “Firstly, finances of the States are in dire straits. They need urgent assistance. Secondly, the state of health infrastructure needs to be addressed. Thirdly, a humane policy for return of migrant workers needs to be put in place.” 

Sonia Gandhi said that she wrote several letters to Prime Minister Narendra Modi offering cooperation and suggestions but they have been acted upon only partially and in a ‘miserly way’. “The compassion, large-heartedness and alacrity that should be forthcoming from the Central Government is conspicuous by its absence. Our focus must continue to be on successfully engaging with health, food security and livelihood issues,” she said. 

She reiterated that testing still remains low and kits are in short supply and of poor quality. “PPE kits are being provided to our doctors and healthcare workers but the number and quality is poor.” 

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