PM Modi holds meeting with CMs, discusses issue of lockdown

April 11: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday held a video conference with Chief Ministers primarily to take their feedback on whether the 21-day nation-wide lockdown should be extended beyond April 14 amidst rising cases of coronavirus. The initial visuals of the meeting showed the Prime  Minister wearing a white mask during the interaction. Many other chief ministers were also seen wearing masks.

Several state governments too have spoken in favour of continuing the lockdown, with Odisha and Punjab already extending it till end of the month. This is the third time the PM has communicated with CMs through a video conference. “I am available 24×7. Any chief minister can speak to me and give suggestions (on COVID-19) anytime. We should stand together shoulder-to-shoulder,” PM Modi said.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Delhi’s CM Arvind Kejriwal harped on the vital role of a lockdown in the battle against the coronavirus pandemic. Several states pitched for an extension of the 21-day nationwide lockdown. States also sought more resources to deal with the health and the socio-economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Political analysts have expressed the view that there are indications that the centre may extend the nationwide lockdown with some possible relaxations. Many have expressed the view that educational institutions should not be opened this month. The Prime Minister is likely to address the nation and inform the future course of action soon.