Mangaluru: Speaking to the media on Monday May 17, Congress president Harish Kumar said that the state and union government have completely failed in handling the pandemic.

He stated that experts and scientists had warned about the second wave in the month of November but the BJP government took the warnings for granted which has led to the current situation.

“Suggestions from experts were not even considered before the lockdown was announced, at least compensation could have been given to auto drivers, taxi drivers and poverty-stricken citizens.”

“BJP leaders took a jibe at our party saying that Congress would have handled the situation differently, yes the situation would have been different as our party would have given packages to benefit the poor and then announced lockdown so they do not face any hardships.”

Speaking about the vehicles being seized during the lockdown, he said that police officers say that they can be released if the required court procedures are followed. “This is not the way it should have been, rather people should have been informed prior about the confiscation of vehicles and about the procedures in court to get them released. This is on the government for not issuing proper directions,” he said.

“A warning for the third wave has been already issued and the preparation should be made to tackle it,” Harish Kumar said.