Cong hails PM for 'janata curfew' to combat Covid-19

 The Congress here on Thursday welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's idea of "janata curfew" on Sunday to fight the coronavirus pandemic.

"I welcome Modi's call to solidarity at this challenging time. Will support janata curfew while conscious that Sunday is the easiest day to try it. Need more reinforcement of social distancing (including suspending Parliament) and specific economic relief measures," tweeted senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor.

Addressing the media at at the Congress headquarters, spokesperson Ajay Maken said, "The Congress and its workers will stand by the government in all their endeavours to fight Covid-19."

The Congress and its leaders would help spread the word on preventive measures and also help with any emergency services. "We will also organise any emergency services if needed," Maken said.

"On February 12, Rahul Gandhi had urged the government to prepare for the battle against Covid-19. On March 6, party chief Sonia Gandhi wrote to all Congress Chief Ministers and asked them to prepare for the fight against Covid-19," he said.

Modi in his special address to the nation urged people to opt for a 'janata curfew' on Sunday. "Today I am requesting the people of the country for a janata curfew on March 22 between 7 a.m and 9 p.m," the Prime Minister said.

As part of the janata curfew, Modi said people should not go out on the streets or even gather in their societies and stay inside their homes. IANS