Uddhav Thackeray says lockdown can’t be lifted just to address the failing economy of Maharashtra.
In an interview with Shiv Sena mouthpiece, ‘Saamana’, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that phase-wise unlocking is better.
On Saturday, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray revealed that just to address the economic concerns in the state, he was not in favor of lifting the novel COVID-19 virus-induced lockdown.
Maharashtra CM says need to strike balance between issues of health and economy:
In a two-part interview with Shiv Sena mouthpiece, “Saamana” Thackeray underlined the importance to strike a balance between health and economy issues, considering the mammoth challenge posed by the global pandemic. He said,” I will never say that the lockdown will be lifted completely. But I have started reopening a few things gradually. Once re-opened, it shouldn’t be shut again. Hence, I prefer taking steps in phases. You can’t just think about the economy or health. There needs to be a balance between the two.”
Who will be responsible for deaths if lockdown is lifted asks Uddhav Thackeray:
Under the “Mission Begin, Again” initiative of the government, from June onwards, restrictions have been relaxed in a phase-wise manner, and the ongoing lockdown in the state was announced till July 31. Thackeray said,” The pandemic has affected the entire world. Those countries which had lifted the lockdown in haste thinking that it was over, were again forced to impose it to curb the spread. In Australia, they had to rope in the Army. Many people are opposing lockdown. They say that lockdown is affecting the economy. To such people, I would say that I am ready to lift the lockdown, but if people die due to it, would you take the responsibility?”
Mumbai Locals will start step-by-step:
Uddhav Thackeray also addressed the people’s want of restarting the suburban railway, local services in Mumbai and stated,” What if families fall ill and their houses are sealed? Therefore, everything would be done step-by-step.” Thackeray also lauded the efforts of his government as they managed to deal with the coronavirus situation in Mumbai without calling the army. The Chief Minister said that just like China, his government too had organized and built hospitals for proper treatment.
