Congress President Sonia Gandhi has launched a strong attack on the Modi government for charging migrant labourers returning home for their train travel in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdown and said that the Congress will bear the cost of their travel.
“When our Government can recognise its responsibility by arranging free air travel for our citizens stranded abroad, when the government can spend nearly Rs 100 crores on transport and food etc. for just one public programme in Gujarat, when the Rail Ministry has the largesse to donate Rs 151 Crores to the PM’s Corona fund, then why can’t these essential members of our nation’s fabric be given a fraction of the same courtesy, especially free rail travel, at this hour of acute distress,” the Congress chief said.
BJP hits back
The BJP did not take much time to hit back. BJP leader Subramanin Swamy on Twitter said “Govt will pay 85% and State Govt 15% . Migrant labour will go free.”
Talked Piyush Goel office. Govt will pay 85% and State Govt 15% . Migrant labour will go free. Ministry will clarify with an official statement
— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) May 4, 2020