30 Mar 2020  |   04:32am IST

Govt created artificial shortage of food causing panic:Cong

Team Herald

PANJIM: Extending support to government in the fight against COVID-19, Congress has alleged that artificial shortage of food grains created by the government has led to panic amongst public.

Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) office bearers on Sunday held a meeting via video conferencing to uphold the call for social distancing. The meeting was chaired by Goa Desk in charge Dr Chellakumar. GPCC President Girish Chodankar was also part of the meeting.

Addressing the media after meeting, GPCC spokesman Trajano D'Mello said that the party has resolved to extend full support to the government in the fight against coronavirus. 

“Party has decided wholeheartedly to support the government in all its efforts to fight COVID19. This is war against the virus to save every Goan," he said.

However, D'Mello accused the government that it has kept BJP image above the need of the people. “Artificial shortage of food grains and panic was well planned by the government by delaying implementation of Central government order dated March 24, wherein it had directed the States to ensure supply of essential commodities and keep shops are open," he said. 

"However, hoarding of essential commodities created panic amongst people, who came out throwing social distancing norms to wind," he charged.

Congress demanded that government should immediately release the hoarded stock and ensure no artificial shortage is created. 

Party also demanded that government should rope in services of public distribution system to ensure supply essential commodities to people.