Rahul Gandhi writes to PM Modi, asks him to adopt more ‘nuanced approach’

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday worte to Prime Minnister Narendra Modi asking to adopt a more ‘nuanced approach’ that factors India’s complex realities and unique position.

In a letter to the PM, Rahul Gandhi suggested that a complete lockdown could result in catastrophic loss of life as unemployed youth go back to their villages and risk the elderly population.

In his letter, the Congress leader also offered suggestions to cope with the exodus of migrant workers, informal sector and financial institutions as Rahul Gandhi anticipated a further extension of the lockdown.

"It is critical for us to understand that India's conditions are unique. We will be required to take different steps than other large countries who are following a total lockdown strategy. The number of poor people in India who are dependent on a daily income is simply too large for us to unilaterally shut down all economic activity," Mr. Gandhi said, and added that "the consequences of a complete economic shut down will disastrously amplify the death toll arising from the Covid-19 virus”.

"It is important that the government consider a nuanced approach that takes the complex realities of our people into consideration. Our priority must be to protect and isolate the elderly and vulnerable from the virus and to clearly and strongly communicate to the young the dangers of proximity to older people," he said.

"Millions of India’s elderly live in villages. A complete lockdown and the resulting shut down of our economic engine will almost certainly ensure that millions of unemployed youth rush back to their villages, increasing the risk of infecting their parents and the elderly population living there. This will result in a catastrophic loss of life," Rahul Gandhi noted.

The Congress leader suggested strengthening the social safety net and utilize every public resource to back and shelter the working poor as an unforeseen lockdown has brought about immense panic and confusion.

Rahul Gandhi also pointed out how closure of factories, small industries and construction have forced huge number of migrant workers to walk home to their native place and are stranded in many State border.

"It is important that we help them find shelter and provide them with money directly into their bank accounts to help them tide over the next few months," he said.

Rahul Gandhi further moted that the actual economic effect would only be felt in a few weeks from now and emphasised on the significance of “protecting the financial and strategic institutions from the shock wave that is bound to come”.

"Our informal economy and immense network of small and medium businesses and farmers are going to be vital to any rebuilding effort. It is crucial that we engage them in a conversation, build their confidence and protect their interests with correct and timely action," he said.

The Congress leader also went on to request the centre to set up big, dedicated hospitals with thousands of beds and ventilators and "dramatically increase the number of tests that we are carrying out to get an accurate picture of the spread of the virus".

"We stand together with the government in fighting and overcoming this tremendous challenge," Mr. Gandhi said.

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