The Congress party on Thursday launched ‘Speak Up India’ campaign to raise public support for the people suffering from the coronavirus induced lockdown and asked the central government to unlock its coffers. Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday asked the government to transfer ₹7,500 to every migrant worker and poor family for the next six months and an immediate cash transfer of ₹10,000 to tide over the difficulties caused by the COVID-19 lockdown. Launching the ‘Speak Up India’ campaign on social media platforms, she also asked the government to ensure free transport for migrant workers, free ration and provide 200 days of employment under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in villages to which they had returned.
Stating that the BJP government’s stimulus package provided no immediate relief to the poorest or small businesses, Maharashtra Congress chief Balasaheb Thorat said, “We are duty-bound to highlight their voices and raise their concerns.”
On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi demanded that cash be given in the hands of poor workers who are the soul of India.
“India is the only country in the world which is removing lockdown when the virus is exponentially rising. It is pretty clear that the aim and purpose of lockdowns have failed in India,” Gandhi added. Congress has launched “Speak Up India” campaign to provide a platform for those who need to be heard. The Congress party had directed its leaders, functionaries and social media volunteers – AICC office bearers, chief minister’s, state, district and booth level functionaries numbering around 50 lakh across the country – to post video messages raising these demands on various social media platforms between 11 am and 2 pm on Thursday. Social media volunteers of the Congress party were also directed to share these messages through WhatsApp and other messaging services.
Surjitt sahani
