Mangaluru : The government must provide food kits to the poor during the lockdown situation said, Senior Congress leader and former minister B Ramanatha Rai.

Addressing press persons at the Congress office on April 28, Wednesday, he said said though it is easy to announce a lockdown, at the same time it is the duty of the government to protect the interests of the labourers and migrant workers. He suggested opening of ganji kendras for migrant workers.

He also demanded waiver of electricity, water and telephone bills during lockdown period and urged for appointment of talukwise nodal officers to ensure general public are not inconvenienced.

He further demadned a white paper on the amount collected and amount spent under PM Cares Fund.

Congress leader Ivan D’Souza who also spoke, said though 15 lakh people are eligible for Covid vaccine only 5% have got vaccinated so far. He also demanded free vaccination for all.

Congress leaders including Abhayachandra Jain, J R Lobo, Shashidhar Hegde, Sadashiva Ullal and others were present.