New Delhi, May 9 (IANS): The Congress slammed the central government, here on Saturday, over differences of opinion in the government over the coronavirus situation, and said it should tell the people clearly and prepare them accordingly.

Addressing the media through video link, former Union Minister Ajay Maken said there was confusion in the government over the Covid-19 situation. "How will India fight the pandemic if officials speak in different voices."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his first address to nation on March 23 before the nationwide lockdown said "the battle of Mahabharat ended in 18 days, I need 21 days to combat the spread of Covid-19", Maken said.

But Niti Aayog member V.K. Paul and AIIMS Director Sandeep Guleria were saying something different on the situation, he said. Substantiating the claim, Maken played a video clip of the Prime Minister and the Niti Aayog member.

"The government should tell people about exact Covid-19 situation to enable them to prepare accordingly," Maken said.

Slamming the Delhi government over the mismatch in Covid-19 death toll in the national capital, he said, "The Delhi government needs to ensure transparency in reporting coronavirus cases and deaths."

A political row has erupted on the Covid-19 toll in Delhi as several hospitals have accused the city government of fudging the data.