Most CMs suggested lockdown extension, while some asked concession for economic activities: Puducherry CM

While addressing press conference Puducherry CM, V Narayanasamy said that the Chief Ministers unanimously told PM Modi that the way the virus was spreading, there needs to be a cautious approach in lifting the lockdown and PM should take a call on the basis of observation of CMs.

New Delhi: After interacting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a meeting, Puducherry CM, V Narayanasamy said that a majority of Chief Ministers wanted the lockdown extended after May 3, while some asked the PM for a concession of economic activities during these days.

While briefing the media, via video conferencing, V Narayanasamy said, "The Chief Ministers unanimously told PM Modi that the way the virus is spreading, there needs to be a cautious approach in lifting the lockdown and PM should take a call on the basis of observation of CMs."

On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with CMs, for the fourth time, to discuss the situation arising due to the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

He also informed that the BJP-ruled states also asked for an extension of lockdown with some economic activities to be started slowly.

As per the sources, Odisha Chief Minister has urged PM Modi to extend nationwide lockdown for a month, while considering a rapid increase in the number of positive cases of COVID-19 in the country. Meanwhile, PM Modi has also told the CMs that "hotspots will stay in lockdown."

V Narayanasamy and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar also raised the issue of migrant workers, asking the Prime Minister to come out with a national policy for sending home these migrant workers who have been stranded in different states for almost a month. "However, PM did not give any solution to resolve the issue of stranded migrants," he added.

Narayansamy said, "The Chief Ministers also demanded that the Government should announce a stimulus package for the revival of economy, on lines of UPA's 2008 package. The states need financial support to fight against COVID-19." However PM did not respond to the demand for economic package.

He also asked the Center to immediately release GST compensation and it should provide the states a large number of testing kits for COVID-19. "Testing, Tracing and Quarantine is the only way to contain this virus," he said.

Puducherry CM also informed that PM Modi especially appreciated Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot for putting a lot of efforts into testing and handling COVID-19 issue in the areas which were highly affected by the virus.