All political parties decide to work together as Team Assam to fight against COVID-19

Assam government on Sunday called a meeting of all political parties in the state to discuss about the present COVID-19 crisis and lockdown situation in the state and Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal chaired the meeting.

Former Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, senior Congress leaders, leaders of All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF), ruling BJP and its ally parties Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), Bodoland People’s Front (BPF), CPI-M and other political parties were also present in the meeting.

Chairing the all party meet convened by the government to elicit suggestions from the leaders of all political parties of the state at Assam Administrative Staff College in Guwahati, Sonowal said that in view of spiking infection of novel Coronavirus in Assam, leaders cutting across all political parties need to demonstrate consolidation of the spirit of Team Assam to fight against COVID-19.

He observed that at a time of extraordinary health emergency, both government machinery and opposition should work in unison to help the state machinery to wage a war against this unseen threat caused by this new strain of virus.         

“COVID-19 has pushed the state to take care of people’s health as well as the health of the state’s economy. In the absence of any antidote to treat the health conditions purportedly caused by the virus, social distancing and avoidance of social gathering are largely considered as the best precaution protocol to keep the virus at bay. To maintain the protocol of social distancing daily and regular activities including the economic activities of the people are being truncated to save precious livesacross the state,” Sonowal said.         

Sonowal also maintained that there is no denying that complete lockdown has had its effect on the economic activities of the people and overall economic health of the state. Therefore, the government is enforcing the lockdown to break the chain of transmission.

He also said that during lockdown, the government machinery has shown its commitment to make available of all essential commodities within the reach of every individual. Different government agencies are working day in and day out to sustain the supply chain much to the satisfaction of the common people of the state.         

Reiterating the government’s commitment to the welfare of all sections of the people especially those belonging to the economically backward classes particularly during the lockdown period, Sonowal said that, government is implementing its schemes resolutely including transfer financial benefits to bank accounts of the beneficiaries to look after their subsistence.

After the meeting Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal told media that all political parties have taken resolution to work together as Team Assam spirit in this crisis hour.

“The political parties have expressed their satisfaction over the steps taken the government to fight against COVID-19. All political parties have also vowed to provide safety and extend help to the people of the state at any cost during this crucial moment,” Sonowal said.

The Assam CM also said all political parties have also taken a joint resolution to thank all frontline COVID-19 warriors of the state who are leading our fight against COVID-19.

On the other hand, Assam cabinet on Sunday had taken a decision that, the state government will follow the instructions of the Union government over the lockdown issue.

Assam Transport minister Chandra Mohan Patowary said that, the Assam government will only follow the instructions given by the centre.

“The Assam Chief Minister has assigned all ministers in different districts of the state to look the overall situation and we are following it. The present situation of the state was discussed in the cabinet. The cabinet has taken a decision to follow the centre’s instructions over COVID-19,” the Assam minister said.

Assam has reported 29 positive cases for COVID-19 so far and one COVID-19 positive patient was died recently.

(By Hemanta Kumar Nath, Guwahati)