Issue of lockdown becomes political in Maharashtra

As Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray directs the officials to prepare a roadmap for lockdown, cracks in the Maha Vikas Aghadi on the issue have come up as several ruling party leaders have opposed the decision.

Mumbai: As coronavirus cases in Maharashtra has seen a tremendous increase in the last three weeks, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray directed to prepare a roadmap for imposing another lockdown. But, it seems that Thackray's decision is not going well with even his ruling partner Nationalist Congress Party(NCP). Cracks in the Maha Vikas Aghadi on the issue have come up as several ruling party leaders have opposed the decision.

The opposition leaders have already expressed their stand against the move. So, the issue of lockdown is seeming to be a politically hot issue. Meanwhile, in the wake of an increase in the number of covid patients, the need for stringent curbs on the movement of the people is being advocated.

State Task Force firm on lockdown

The centre as well as the state task force is pressurizing the government to impose a lockdown in the state to curb the spread of the pandemic. During the meeting with the police officials, they have also shown their leniency towards lockdown.

Following which the chief minister has directed the chief secretary to prepare a detailed strategy for the provision of grains, medicines, essential services and health facilities. But, the proposal has been opposed by partners in ruling MVA also along with the opposition. So, the political atmosphere is likely to hot upon this issue.

Lockdown is not an option: Nawab Malik

While opposing the proposal, NCP spokesman Nawab Malik said that, as the number of Corona patients is increasing rapidly, an option of lockdown is being discussed. But, in our opinion, lockdown can’t be the last resort. We have insisted not to impose lockdown as the state would not afford another lockdown within a year. Our stand is clear that, instead of lockdown, emphasis should be on increasing health facilities, said Malik.

No differences on the issue: Tope

State health minister Rajesh Tope tried to clear the sky by saying that, there are no differences on the issue of lockdown and CM Thackray also does not want it. Not a single person in Maharashtra wants it. It is the last resort and we can’t afford it now.

No opposition to lockdown: Jayant Patil

NCP state president Jayant Patil has clearly stated that we do not oppose the proposal. BJP should not try to create misunderstandings and rift in us.

Lockdown…not again: Sanjay Nirupam

Former Congress MP Sanjay Nirupam, while expressing stiff opposition to lockdown, said that it should not be imposed in Mumbai now. Last time it derailed the state economy and people were extremely annoyed with the curbs. Many had to migrate to their native villages. Nirupam has appealed to the state administration not to impose lockdown.

It is the last resort: Hasan Mushrif

State rural development minister Hasan Mushreef also reiterated that lockdown was the last resort. If the tally continues to grow relentlessly, then lockdown would be needed for the hour to break the chain of infection. Taking a jibe at BJP state president Chandrakant Patil who is opposing the proposal, Mushreef said that we would persuade him, as he is from our district.

We are averse to lockdown: Chandrakant Patil

State BJP president Chandrakant Patil said that the state can’t afford another lockdown now. We would not object if the restrictions are made more stringent but lockdown is not an option and we would strongly oppose it.

Unaffordable: Padalkar

BJP MLA Gopichand Padalkar, while criticizing the MVA government on the issue, said that the government is not taking any other measures than lockdown which is not fair. It is not also the solution.

BJP will oppose lockdown: Atul Bhatkhalkar

BJP MLA Atul Bhatkhalkar has mounted a sharp attack on the MVA government that, is not only saying repeatedly imposing lockdown, but threatening common people of the state. BJP would completely oppose the decision.

We will take to the streets: Imtiyaz Jalil

MIM MP from Aurangabad Imtiyaz Jalil has threatened to take to the streets if lockdown is imposed again. He said that, in Aurangabad, although lockdown will be in force till the 8th of April, industries will be allowed to run, which are a means of livelihood of lakhs of workers. Are their lives not important or if this decision is taken to appease owners of factories, he asked.