Demanding the withdrawal of the proposed 3-day lockdown calling it “illogical” and “unscientific”, Aam Aadmi Party questioned the CM regarding the basis of this sudden decision.
Terming it as possibly the world’s first “weekend lockdown”, AAP spokesperson Valmiki Naik reminded the CM that the virus has a cycle of at least 10-14 days, and locking down for 3 days would not make any impact on the spread of the virus. On the contrary, Naik pointed to the crowds at markets and stores today, and expressed concern that the panic buying due to people’s trust deficit with this CM could actually have the opposite effect.
Naik also demanded that the CM should stop talking down to Goan public as if we are children; it has been noticed that the CM continuously blames the people for the rise of cases, even giving their alleged “indiscipline” as a reason for this lockdown.
Naik reminded the CM that it was the discipline of Goans that helped bring coronavirus cases in Goa to zero, and it was actually the unplanned and overconfident missteps by the current Govt that had led to the situation worsening today.
He also demanded that, keeping ego and politics aside, the Government should come up with a coherent plan for fighting Covid-19. Major decisions such as lockdowns should be taken only after consulting experts. He exhorted the CM to discuss and learn from other states like Delhi that have established best practices, and also work on his communication and transparency with public.
Naik demanded that the lockdown should be immediately withdrawn, and if found necessary after proper analysis, a 10-14 lockdown could be implemented, giving people at least one week to prepare.
State secretary Pradeep Padgaonkar alleged that the hurried decision was taken ahead of the CM’s review meeting with the Hon. Governor of Goa, only to show the Governor that his Govt was “doing something”. Padgaonkar came down heavily on the CM’s complete misrepresentation of his meeting with the Governor. Padgaonkar condemned the CM’s attempt to put words in the mouth of Governor, and said that instead of blaming media, CM Sawant should learn from Arvind Kejriwal who continuously praised the media in Delhi for pointing out any shortcomings and helping his Govt improve its performance.
