“National Emergency” like situation says Modi amidst talks of Lockdown extension, reveals leaked audio clip!
With Coronavirus increasing its rage day by day, people as well as the government is getting worried. If such numbers continue to rise, the situation is going to become even more worrisome.
The Prime Minister, on Wednesday, made it clear that the current lockdown is bound to get extended beyond its stipulated time. He also said that the current scenario resembles that of a National Emergency, and tougher measures may be taken to ensure the strict execution of social distancing.
This was revealed by a leaked audio clip of his interactive session with the representatives of various political parties. The PMO heavily criticized the leaking incident but couldn’t deny the authenticity of the subject. The Prime Minister could be heard saying that he has been in talks with the Chief Ministers and DMs of various states, and unequivocally everyone wants the lockdown to get extended. He further mentioned that these are extraordinary times and can be compared to the situation of “National Emergency.” The PM said that in a dispute between saving the economy or containing the disease, saving the lives of the citizens is of prime concern. He was also heard mentioning that every other political party is against the lifting of the lockdown and that there should be a “phased exit.” He even talked about the global experience and international experts being in favor of the decision taken. The PMO, on the other hand, condemned that act of selectively leaking the contents. It said that this sends a wrong message at such adverse times when the whole nation is trying to put up a united front.
The PM’s decision comes as a result of various states strongly indicating that the lockdown should not be removed. States like Kerala have decided not to restore inter-state mass transport, whereas Goa, on the other hand, has asked the center to take the necessary action.
The meeting was a result of the expert opinion that social distancing is the only way to curb the spread of the virus. Stressing on the subject, Modi said that the situation is altering with each passing hour, and even global experts have failed to get a hold of it. Thus, the only alternative that remains is to maintain social distancing, and we should stick to it.
He also talked about his cabinet remarks, wherein he asked the various ministers to come up with new alternative solutions to restore the economy without violating the practice of social distancing. Various prominent leaders of opposition like Gulam Nabi Azad of Congress and Ram Gopal Yadav of SP expressed their support in the PM’s decision and suggested the extension of the lockdown. Also, requests were made to implement the various suggestions submitted by Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. NCP chief talked about the necessity of state-wise planning and the possibility of selective lockdown. He also addressed the Nizamuddin incident and urged not to spread communal hatred towards the entire community.
