Excerpts from Rahul Gandhi’s Press Briefing :

• The circumstances in the country are clear to everyone. I want to talk to you about the steps the government has taken a few days ago:
• When the children get hurt, the mother does give them a loan, but provides immediate help for relief.
• There is a need to provide immediate money in the pockets of farmers and laborers instead of a package of loans.
• I want to thank the journalists that you showed the anguish of the poor and labourers. You did a great job.
• 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
• The money is not being given for the fear of decline in ratings. It is being said that if the deficit is increased today, agencies will reduce the ratings of India.
• Our ratings are made by India, by farmers, by labourers, small and big businesses who need money. Now is the time think about India, not others.
• There have been many accidents and many people have died. I pay tributes to all of them and my condolences to their families.
• As far as the lockdown is concerned, we have to open it wisely. This is not an event but a process. During this time, we have to take special care of the sick people and the elderly.
• This is not the time to prove anyone wrong, but to solve this huge problem. The problem of migrant labourers is huge. We all have to help them. BJP is in government, they have more ways to help.
• Spirit should be of trying to do as much as we can to make their life easier. It’s fundamental that we give direct money. There will never be a more difficult time for them. We need to hold their hand & tell them India won’t let them down.
• Congress-ruled State governments are extending all possible support. Government of Chhattisgarh is giving direct money. We are focusing on MNREGA. Overall we have a strategy.
• I warned the government in February, but now there is no point talking about it. Rather, it is time to think of a solution for the upcoming potential economic storm.