Centre's lockdown strategy has failed, says Rahul

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said the four phases of nationwide lockdown have "failed" and not given the results that Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected.

Addressing a press conference, he asked the Central government to clarify its strategy as far as opening up of India is concerned and how it intends to support migrants and states.

"What is the central government's plan to go forward as the disease is growing exponentially in the country," he said. "The four stages of lockdown have not given the result that the Prime Minister expected," he said, adding that it is pretty clear that the aim and purpose of lockdowns have failed in India.

He said India is the only country in the world which is relaxing the lockdown when the virus is "exponentially rising".

The BJP on Tuesday rejected Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi's statement that the lockdown had "failed" in its purpose, saying the doubling rate of coronavirus infection has fallen to 13 days from three before the lockdown, which, it asserted, is a "success" of India.

BJP leader and Union minister Prakash Javadekar said the Modi government's decision to impose the lockdown has ensured that India suffered much less than countries like the US, France and Spain.

Rahul said that calling him a 'dramebaaz' is Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's view, adding that he made the short documentary of the migrant workers walking to highlight their pain and sufferings.

"My motive was only to speak to poor, labourers and what they have in their heart." He said to be true, "I get to learn from their knowledge". I keep on helping.

And if she gives me permission then I shall carry their luggage and not only of one person but of 10-15 people. My only motive is to help the people of the country."

The Congress leader said that he made a short film to "feel the pain of the migrant labourers and listen to their plight. It has a very big impact. They are our strength and future. And if we don't help these people then whose help we will do."

Taking a dig at Sitharaman, Rahul Gandhi said "And it is Finance Minister's view (to call me dramebaaz), it is ok, and I thank her. And if she wants me to go to Uttar Pradesh then I shall go on foot and help the others if she gives me the permission."

The Congress MP from Kerala's Wayanad was responding to a question over Sitharaman calling him a dramebaaz for meeting the migrant workers in the national capital earlier this month near Sukh Dev flyover in south east Delhi.

Sitharaman had referred to the Congress leader meeting migrant workers as 'dramebaazi' during a press conference last week.

Rahul Gandhi arranged for the transportation of the migrant workers, who were walking from Haryana to their homes in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi.

He also released a 16 minute documentary on Saturday morning including his conversation with the group and demanded that the government transfer Rs 7,500 into the bank accounts of the labourers and farmers.