Maha CM hits out at BJP for politicising crisis, says lockdown to be lifted gradually

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Maha CM hits out at BJP for politicising crisis, says lockdown to be lifted gradually

Monday, 25 May 2020 | TN RAGHUNATHA | Mumbai

Hitting out at the Opposition BJP for its efforts to indulge in politics over the coronavirus crisis, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said  here on Sunday that his Government would lift the lockdown gradually as it did not want crowds in public places which would compel the Government to re-impose lockdown in the State.

Two days after the BJP staged “Save Maharashtra” agitation against the “inept” handling of coronavirus crisis by his Government, Uddhav said: “I sincerely feel that this is a time of crisis, and hence, no one should play politics. You may do it, but we will not as we are vested with a responsibility and above all, the people of Maharashtra trust us”.

Addressing the people across the state through social media, theChief Minister said: “As much it is improper to impose lockdown all of a sudden,  it is also improper to lift the lockdown at one go.  We are treading cautiously to ensure restoration of normalcy. While l8ifting the lockdown, we will have to take measures against crowds at public places. Every citizen will have to precaution of not indulging in   undisciplined behaviour, a behaviour that will force us to re-impose lockdown”.

“I want to thank people of all religions, social organizations and political parties for their co-operation,” he said.

In a series of tweets put out after his interaction with the people across the state, Uddhav said: “A couple of days ago, I was part of a VC with Congress President Sonia Gandhi ji and other leaders. I said the real picture about our country will be clear in the coming fortnight due to the migration and the likely transmission of the virus due to the movement of people”.

“This intra-state movement from one district to another has been allowed to an extent. But, this can be permitted on a large scale only after following precautions. We have allowed shops and offices to open in some areas.”

“We are also considering if the theatre, film and television industries can be allowed to resume shooting and post-production activities like dubbing and editing. They have asked us if they can shoot in the Green zone before the monsoons with due precautions,” he said.

 “We are also considering allowing outdoor games. The cabinet held a meeting to prepare for the Kharif season. We are launching a new project to make seeds and fertilisers available to farmers in their fields,” he said.

 “Since day one, we never stopped any agriculture activities or transport of produce. We are taking care of farmers. We have purchased 75 to 80% cotton in areas like Vidarbha, Marathwada and North Maharashtra, and this is still underway,” he said.

“Paddy and maize procurement will be ensured. Farmers will always get our support. We are augmenting medical facilities. Testing labs are being increased. In Ratnagiri, we have permitted a test lab, and a virology lab will be established soon at Sindhudurg.

 Wishing the Muslim community on the occasion of Eid Milad, the chief minister said: “People across religious denominations must celebrate their festivals at home. Pray to God for this danger hovering over the world to pass soon and for the good old days of health and happiness to be restored.”

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