PM Modi’s Address Was Disappointing: Congress

Hyderabad, April 3 (Maxim News): Former Minister Mohammed Ali Shabbir said address to nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi was highly disappointing as he did not announce any relief or package for States hit with Coronavirus and lock down.

Speaking to media persons in Kamareddy, Shabbir Ali said that the Prime Minister was expected to announce some financial package for those hit with lock down. “Many Chief Ministers, while participating in a video-conference on Thursday, had urged the Prime Minister for liberal sanction of funds to deal with Coronavirus situation. However, except for relief, assistance and help, PM Modi spoke about everything else. There was also no mention about migrant workers, homeless and those living in shelters. He has literally turned a tragedy into an event,” he said.

Shabbir said there were lakhs of poor people without doorsteps or balconies and PM Modi should’ve clarified from where they should light up the candles. It will be difficult for many people to decide whether to waste money on candles or buy food, he said.

The Congress leader also condemned Chief Minister K. Chandrashekhar Rao for not providing any relief to the poor even 10 days after the lock down. He said the distribution of promised 12kg rice and Rs. 1500 has been delayed and lakhs of poor people have been standing in long queues for the last two days to get the rice. The State Government is giving one excuse or other to delay the distribution and today the reason cited was technical problem in server room of State Data Centre (SDC).

“Both Central and State Governments have implemented the lock down without planning which caused huge inconvenience to the people, especially poor. While it is essential for everyone to maintain social distance and stay in-doors to prevent further spread of Coronavirus, the government should’ve ensured that it provides food and essential commodities at their door step,” he said adding that BJP and TRS Govt were not showing any concern for the self-respect of poor people and making them stand in queues to get food and other items.

Earlier, Shabbir distributed food among the migrant workers from other States who have been provided shelter at Bhiknoor, on the outskirts of Kamareddy. The migrant workers were earlier trying to leave for their native States after the lockdown. But Shabbir Ali convinced them to stay in Kamareddy and assured that they would be provided shelter and food till lockdown.

He informed that on the instructions of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Congress leaders including Kamareddy DCC President Kailash Srinivas Rao and others have been distributing food, drinking water and butter milk at many places including Kamareddy Hospital since lock down. Speaking on the occasion, Shabbir Ali said entire society must work unitedly to beat the Coronavirus and help everyone affected due to lockdown. He also appreciated the NGOs and leaders and activists of all political parties who are helping the affected people belonging to all castes, religions and regions in different ways. (Maxim News)