Expressing solidarity with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in India’s fight against COVID-19, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday asked Mr. Modi to adopt a more “nuanced approach” that factors India’s complex realities and unique position.
In a letter addressed to the PM, Mr. Gandhi argued that a complete lockdown could result in “catastrophic” loss of life as unemployed youth rush back to their villages and endanger the elderly population.
In his letter, released by the Congress party hours after the Prime Minister’s Mann Ki Baat address, he also offered suggestions to deal with the exodus of migrant workers, informal sector and financial institutions as the Congress leader 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 act