184 eminent citizens to Oppn: Help India brace for third wave

New Delhi, June 3

In an unprecedented move, 184 eminent Indians today wrote an open letter to ‘progressive’ Opposition parties, seeking their help in preparing India for the third Covid wave.

“While we would have ideally liked the Government of India to take the lead in forming a task force that could have implemented suggestions, experience of the past few years has proved that it is very unlikely to do so. The bitter reality is that, like during the freedom struggle, Indians today face an uncaring and extractive government. … In this extraordinary situation, it is incumbent on all progressive political parties to work together, and with those conscientious Indians who are helping their fellow citizens. India is thirsty for a compassionate, consensual and cooperative leadership that truly works towards furthering people’s needs and aspirations. Hope you will rise to the occasion,” wrote signatories, among them  Rajmohan Gandhi, historian Irfan Habib, ex- Chief Economic adviser Kaushik Basu, academician Mridula Mukherjee and activist Harsh Mander. — TNS