MAPUSA
Stressing that the BJP-led government has mishandled the Covid crisis in the State, the Nationalist Congress Party on Saturday demanded a Covid relief package for the State to offer some relief to Goans who have been affected by the lockdown-like restrictions.
He also urged the governor to dismiss the BJP-led government and send a representation to the President of India and the union ministry to impose President’s rule in the State.
“The government of Karnataka has announced Rs 1,250 crore Covid-19 relief package for the people in that State. The Pramod Sawant-led government should announce a similar package to give relief for Goans whose livelihoods have been affected by the restrictions,” said Sanjay Barde, General Secretary of NCP, while addressing a news conference in Mapusa.
He said so many Goans have lost their lives only because of the faulty policies of the BJP-led government in the State.
“The government delayed in imposing a lockdown in the State at least by two months and that is why so many Goans have lost their lives to Covid. The CM was more interested in tourism and the economy rather than the lives of Goans,” he lamented.
The NCP general secretary said the government has no moral right to run the State anymore and urged the Governor to sack the government.
“So many Goans have lost their lives in this Covid crisis due to the mismanagement of the government. Instead of reaching out to the families who have lost their near and dear ones, the ministers are squabbling among themselves,” he said.
He further said that a minister in Bardez has been making statements in the media against his own government indicating that all is not well within the government.
“It appears Chief Minister Pramod Sawant is not taking his own cabinet colleagues into confidence while taking decisions. If the minister from Bardez who has helped in forming this government is being sidelined then there is something seriously wrong. It's better the government is forced to resign and a new government is allowed to run the State,” he said.
Expressing concern about the third wave that is likely to hit in Aug-Sept, Barde urged the government not to rush to reopen the schools in the new academic year.
He also said that Goans should be given first preference in the vaccination programme.
