People need money, not loans: Rahul Gandhi on COVID-19 stimulus package

In yet another attack on the BJP ruled central government, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to reconsider the recently announced COVID-19 stimulus package, saying that farmers and migrant workers need cash and not loans.

Gandhi added that the migrant workers who are walking home with an empty stomach, farmers, small businessmen and other such people don't need loans but money. 

"Today our people need money. PM should reconsider this package. Modi ji should think about direct cash transfer, 200 working days under MNREGA, money for farmers etc. because all of them are the future of India," he told mediapersons while interacting with them via video conferencing.

"Money is not being given for the fear of a decline in ratings. It is being said that if the deficit is increased today, agencies will reduce the ratings of India," he added.

Gandhi said that he was trying to put pressure on the government for generating demand by putting money into the accounts of the poor and vulnerable sections of society. "It is time to think of a solution for the upcoming potential economic storm," he remarked.

The former Congress president said that a 'storm' was brewing on the economic front that will cause damage and hurt many.

"We hear that the central government is not giving as much money to the states as they should. I think the states should be supported and they should fight this battle. Maharashtra is the Centre of India's economy and needs to be supported. Rather, the government should support all states adequately. The work of the Centre should be of management and the work of the states - to fight the coronavirus," he stated.

Gandhi added that the lockdown needs to be lifted intelligently without sacrificing the old and vulnerable population to the disease.