nLeaders of the BJP and the ruling Congress got into a war of words over quarantine centres and a spike in Covid-19 cases in Chhattisgarh, with the BJP accusing Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel of hiding the real situation and the Congress blaming the Modi government for the migrant workers' plight.
BJP leader and Leader of Opposition in the state assembly Dharamlal Kaushik said lakhs of rupees were spent on publication of an open letter by the Chief Minister to the people in the form of advertisement but what had been claimed was different from the ground realities.
“The Chief Minister at this time of crisis should show work on the ground and take policy decisions. Without getting the final sample report of migrant workers kept at quarantine centres, they should not be sent home,” he said.
“There are cases where migrant workers have reported positive after five days which is a matter of concern as he will spread the disease to his family and neighbours. This also reflects the condition of the quarantine centres ... in 22 districts of the state."
Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committee President Mohan Markam accused Kaushik of "sitting within the four walls of his house (and) making the assessment of ground situation without visiting even a quarantine centre.
"Chief Minister is working 24x7 by extending all help from food to employment to the migrant workers, women, and showing concern for their children.”
Markam said: “It is a lack of vision by the central government that workers had to pay the price. Due to anomaly in policy, the migrant worker instead of home quarantine is forced to reside in quarantine centres at his native village. More than 600 workers have died across the country during this lockdown period.”
“BJP leaders should not shed crocodile tears over the pathetic condition of workers. Instead they should ensure that the Modi government pays Rs 10,000 into the accounts of poor people,” he added.