Has the Congress put itself in a spot of bother as it offers to pay for migrants despite railways saying that the Centre and states would bear the costs on May 2 itself?
Bengaluru: Is the Congress playing politics during the coronavirus pandemic?
At a time when it should have thrown unconditional support to the government, has it stooped to newer lows?
Well, a tweet from Amit Malviya, the BJP IT-cell head should clarify things for us.
In its May 2 order, the railways had made it clear that "no tickets to be sold at any station."
But Congress today offered to pay the train tickets of migrants despite this order.
In his tweet, Amit Malviya said, “Shame on Congress for politicising migrant movement issue. MHA guidelines are clear. “No tickets to be sold at any station” Railway has subsidised 85% and State Govts pay rest 15% (like Madhya Pradesh is)
Migrants DON’T pay!
Why doesn’t Sonia ask Congress state Govts to pay?
Shame on Congress for politicising migrant movement issue.
MHA guidelines are clear.
“No tickets to be sold at any station”
Railway has subsidised 85% and State Govts pay rest 15% (like Madhya Pradesh is)
Migrants DON’T pay!
Why doesn’t Sonia ask Congress state Govts to pay? pic.twitter.com/HvTBFKvIlN
As reported by Republic TV, BJP's attack on the Congress comes after Congress president Sonia Gandhi in a statement announced that the party has taken a decision that every Pradesh Congress Committee shall bear the cost for the rail travel of every needy worker and migrant labourer and shall take necessary steps in this regard. She added that this will be the Congress’ "humble contribution in service of our compatriots" and to stand shoulder to shoulder in solidarity with them. Sonia Gandhi also attacked the Central government by saying that if the government can bring back citizens stranded abroad free, why can't it extend the same courtesy of free rail travel to migrants.
India is currently observing the second extension of the lockdown. Several relaxations have been made keeping in mind mitigating the economic consequences of the lockdown.
Construction work, truck movement between states, agricultural activities have all been asked to continue.
Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.