Congress to scale up COVID relief activities to mark former PM Rajiv Gandhi's death anniversary

As the Coronavirus pandemic continues to ravage India, the Congress, the country’s main opposition party, has decided to step up relief work across the country to mark the 30th death anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Hailed as the youngest PM of India, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a suicide bomber from the LTTE on 21 May 1991.

Rajiv Gandhi became the Prime Minister of India at the age of 40, following the assassination of his mother and then-PM Indira Gandhi by her bodyguards.

Issuing a letter to the party’s office bearers and PCC presidents, Congress general secretary (organization) KC Venugopal said that the party has decided to observe Rajiv Gandhi’s martyrdom day as ‘seva & sadhbhavna diwas’.

Venugopal has asked its MLAs and MLCs to provide at least two ambulances to help people in this time of crisis.

He has also asked the state leaders to “observe a mass mask distribution programme at state, district and block levels” and distribute food to COVID patients’ attendants at hospitals, ambulance drivers, and other needy people.

“Even as the pandemic rages on, the effort by Congress party's workers and leaders’ to extend relief and provide for oxygen cylinders, essential medicines and food items has been commendable,” said Venugopal.

“Help people in registration for the vaccination porogramme through the platforms concerned,” he added.

Reiterating that Rahul Gandhi had repeatedly forewarned the government about the tsunami that COVID-19 was to bring about, Venugopal said, “However, the Modi Government and its ministers rather than preparing themselves and the nation to face and fight the eventual crisis, had then laughed it off.”

“The Congress Party, ignoring the arrogance and apathy of the government, will continue to contribute constructively with renewed drive and determination till the last citizen of India has been vaccinated,” said Venugopal in his letter.