New Delhi, Apr 20 (UNI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said he has tested positive for the novel coronavirus.

"After experiencing mild symptoms, I've just tested positive for COVID. All those who've been in contact with me recently, please follow all safety protocols and stay safe," the 50-year-old leader informed through Twitter.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi prayed for Mr Gandhi's speedy recovery. "I pray for the good health and quick recovery of Lok Sabha MP Shri Rahul Gandhi," the Prime Minister tweeted.

Several prominent Congress leaders have tested positive in the past few days. On Monday, former prime minister and veteran Congress leader Dr Manmohan Singh was infected by the virus and was admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences, here. Senior Congress leader Anand Sharma too has tested positive for COVID-19 and has been shifted to a private hospital in Gurgaon.

Mr Gandhi has been from past one year extremely critical and vocal about the way the government is handling the COVID pandemic.

Just hours before he was tested positive, the Congress leader reminded the Centre of its responsibility towards the fleeing migrants, saying it should extend financial assistance to them.

Mr Gandhi's comments follow reports of several migrants fleeing Delhi in hordes for their homes yesterday, soon after Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a six-day lockdown to break the transmission chain of the virus.

Mr Kejriwal, too, prayed for Mr Gandhi's good health and wished him a speedy recovery.

Informatively, the national capital on Monday reported a massive spike of 23,686 fresh cases of COVID-19 while 240 people lost their lives.

The Congress leader had on Sunday suspended all his upcoming election rallies in West Bengal and also urged others politicians to avoid holding large public meetings due to exponential rise in COVID cases across the country.

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