Karnataka Congress campaign rakes up migrant workers issue

Bengaluru: The Congress in Karnataka on Thursday came down heavily on the B S Yediyurappa government in the state for its failure to address the grievances of the migrant labourers during the COVID-19 lockdown, as the party launched the ‘Speak Up India’ nationwide online campaign against the ‘cruelty of the BJP government’ on Thursday.

The BJP too launched a counter-campaign highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “relentless battle against COVID-19.”

Responding to the party high command’s call, the state Congress leaders took part in the campaign to rally behind those affected by the lockdown and posted their messages and videos on the social media platforms.

Speaking to reporters, KPCC President D K Shivakumar said there is a conspiracy against the migrant labourers, who are the nation builders to hold them back in the state instead of sending them with dignity.

The KPCC chief also claimed not even 10 per cent of the seven lakh rupees worth grocery kits meant for migrant workers did not reach them. He added that the migrant workers had to pay Rs 1,000 as travel expenses.

In his video message, Shivakumar said the present situation calls for saving the country as it was in deep crisis due to the aftermath of lockdown.
The party started the campaign with a demand that the Centre should transfer Rs 10,000 immediately to the poor families. It also demanded that the Centre should provide financial help and not loans to small businesses so that the middle-class people have money.

The second demand is to make transport available to all migrant workers without charge to ensure their safe return and providing employment opportunity through Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

Former chief minister Siddaramaiah, former union minister K H Muniyappa, Congress working president Eshwar Khandre and various others joined the Speak Up India campaign.