Covid-19 situation serious, but citizen’s help needed: Maharashtra CM

Amid the spike in Covid-19 cases, the opposition BJP targeted the Uddhav Thackeray-led Maha Vikas Aghadi government saying that it would expose the corruption in the pandemic-related procurements during the Budget Session of Maharashtra Legislature starting Monday.

Leader of Opposition Devendra Fadnavis said, referring to the customary tea party held on eve of Legislature sessions: "The political meetings of the Congress and NCP are allowed during the current situation. The Shiv Sena's show of strength is okay. Only what is not allowed is the tea party and the Shiv Jayanti celebration."

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However, Thackeray shot back, saying that the Dharavi model of handling the pandemic was appreciated by the World Health Organisation and World Bank.  "It is okay if you do not appreciate the government... but do not discourage the Covid-yodhas," Thackeray said.

"Daily there are photos of Covid-yodhas who are felicitated," Thackeray said in a veiled reference to Raj Bhavan events when Governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari felicitates the Covid-warriors.

Thackeray said that there is definitely a rise in cases, and people need to be careful and adopt Covid-appropriate behaviour.

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When reminded about his statement last week that the government would take a call on lockdown in eight to 10 days, Thackeray said: “Lockdown is not a wish but a compulsion... Yes, the situation is serious but we need people's help."