The Congress Working Committee (CWC), the national party’s highest decision-making body, on Monday slammed the Narendra Modi government over the alleged mismanagement of the COVID-19 pandemic. It said the government had wilfully disregarded scientific advice and prematurely declared victory over the pandemic.
The Congress body described the COVID-19 second wave as an unprecedented public health crisis, describing it as “nothing short of a grave calamity and a direct consequence of the Modi government’s indifference, insensitivity and incompetence”.
The CWC, in a resolution passed after today’s meet, also questioned the government data on COVID fatalities and alleged under-reporting of fatalities. The CWC said the solution to the problem lies in facing the challenge and not in concealing the truth
“It is widely noticed that the infection has travelled massively into rural areas with zero access to RT-PCR testing, medicines, oxygen or hospitalisation resulting in a large number of painful deaths.
Hitting out at the Central Vista project, the CWC said the focus should instead have been on expanding vaccination coverage.
“At a time when the nation’s resources should be devoted to ensuring the expansion of vaccination coverage and the supply of essential medicines and oxygen, the Modi government is indulging in criminal waste of money by continuing with personal vanity project of the PM in the national capital,” the resolution said.
The Congress party also hit out at the COVID-19 vaccination drive being carried out by the Modi government, stating that it is deeply concerned over the strategy, while also pointing out that the supply of the vaccines was grossly insufficient, and pricing policy opaque and discriminatory.
The CWC took on the Centre for passing on the financial responsibility for vaccinating the population between the age group of 18 and 44 years, noting that the state governments are already under severe financial stress.
“CWC is of the firm belief that this a time for showing an unwavering sense of national unity, purpose and resolve. In order that it may become a reality, the PM must atone for his mistakes and commit to serving people instead of carrying on with personal agenda, oblivious to sufferings around,” the resolution stated.
