Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa
BENGALURU:
Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa has clarified for a second consecutive day the government’s stand that there will not be another lockdown in Bengaluru.
On Thursday, Revenue Minister R Ashoka — who is now Covid-incharge while minister Sudhakar is in home quarantine — had affirmed that the government was not contemplating another lockdown in the city.
Hours before the CM could attend an all-party meeting called by him at the Vidhana Soudha, he said the financial position of the state was poor and after Unlock.1 the situation was improving. “We cannot ignore the economic situation of the state while we have to ensure precautions. Hence, the government does not have any intention to force a lockdown on citizens,” he told reporters on Friday morning. (Listen to video Clip)
In recent days, Congress leaders, including former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC president-designate DK Shivakumar, and former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy have called for another lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Just before the all-party meeting, Congress leaders continued to be critical of the government’s stand on the issue. “As an opposition party, the state government has invited us for a meeting. We are well-prepared but the government, without considering our suggestions, is all set to implement its plans. Hence, no importance should be given to this all-party meeting,” said former Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy.
Another Congress MLA, Byarthi Suresh, said the government should implement another lockdown to control the virus spread, but it should also ensure that essential services arrangements are in place before another curfew-like situation in the state.
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