Maharashtra Prime Minister Uddhav Thackeray hinted on Sunday that places of worship could reopen in the coming days. Thackeray said he was criticized for not reopening temples and other places of worship, but those who shot him would not share the blame if the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) got out of control.
The CM, in its 33-minute speech to the state, which was broadcast via social media, said that Maharashtra’s Covid-19 cases were on the decline, but warned that any kind of complacency could lead to another wave.
He said the state government would prepare a standard operating procedure (SOP) to reopen places of worship in Maharashtra after Diwali (Nov. 14).
Several political parties and religious bodies have asked the state government to reopen places of worship. However, the state government has been cautious as older people predominantly frequent places of worship and can become super spreaders.
“We will prepare a POE after Diwali. Most older people, like our parents and grandparents, visit all places of worship. Masks will be mandatory in all places of worship. I am intentionally delaying the reopening of all places of worship. I am aware that I am being criticized for my decision. But if there is a further spread of Covid-19 cases, those who criticize me will not take responsibility, “he added.
Thackeray also called on the public to celebrate Diwali without firecrackers, as pollution and smoke would aggravate the health of those with lung diseases.
The CM said that the next 20 days will be crucial in the fight against Covid-19. He urged the public to maintain social distancing, avoid overcrowding and wear masks in an attempt to prevent another spike in Covid-19 cases in the state.
“Next Diwali and 15 days after the festival is a great test for us. European countries, including France, have reimposed blockade restrictions. It will be difficult if we have to adopt similar measures. Many people still do not wear masks. Such indiscipline will not be tolerated. The public will be fined for non-compliance. One estimate says that a Covid-19 patient without a mask can infect up to 400 people, ”he said.
The issue of banning firecrackers was discussed at the state cabinet meeting on Thursday. However, a decision to impose a ban has not yet been made.
The Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Rajesh Tope, said the government could accept a call to restrict the use of firecrackers.
The Seine ministers reportedly suggested promoting organic cookies rather than announcing a blanket ban.
Thackeray said that instead of imposing a ban on firecrackers, he would want the public to voluntarily refrain from popping them.
“In other parts of the country, especially Delhi, there has been an increase in Covid-19 cases. Why is it increasing? It is said to be due to contamination. I’d like to ask you not to pop the cookies this Diwali. We must maintain self-discipline as we have been doing in our fight against the viral outbreak. A vaccine has yet to be released. Pollution causes Covid-19 cases to increase. Can we avoid the firecrackers? Should we ban it? … There is so much pollution and smoke. What we have achieved [in controlling Covid-19] it will be lost in just four smoke days. I ask you not to set off firecrackers in public places and to avoid them completely, ”he said.
The CM also launched an attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for what it said was the latter’s bid to derail a Metro Rail project that would benefit Mumbaikars.
The BJP has been accusing the Maharashtra government Vikas Aghadi (MVA), made up of coalition partners such as CM Thackeray’s Shiv Sena, the National Congress Party (NCP) and Congress, for attempting to build a Metro Rail wagon depot. in Kanjurmarg which is a salt. bread.
Thackeray, in a veiled attack on the BJP, said the state has attracted proposed investments of more than Rs 5,000 crore, despite a campaign to smear the MVA government.
The plot for the Metro Rail wagon depot at Kanjurmarg has become the latest point of conflict between the Center and the Maharashtra government. The Center has claimed that the plot, where the Metro Rail car shed is proposed, belongs to it and is a salt shaker.
“Some people said that the plot is a salt mine. But they don’t understand that they are trying to derail the project for Mumbaikars, ”he said.
He attacked the government detractors of the MVA and said it did not work with “eyes closed.”
“During the last few months, while we were fighting COVID-19 in Maharashtra, those who hold a grudge against us launched a campaign to smear the state. [They said] Maharashtra law and order have collapsed. It is a safe haven for drug addicts. However, we overcame these scathing criticisms and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) worth Rs 1.7 billion in June. Last week, we signed MoUs worth 3.5 billion rupees. Several companies, both Indian and multinational, will invest in Maharashtra. They criticized me for not leaving the house. However, I got all the investments for the state while sitting at home. Maharashtra’s economy is gaining momentum, despite the Covid-19 pandemic, ”he added.
Thackeray said that the Covid-19 cases in Mumbai, Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR), Pune, etc. they were in decline, thanks to the state government’s “My family, my responsibility” campaign. “Several people criticized us because the situation of the pandemic was getting out of control. But our determination, self-confidence and discipline have helped flatten the Covid-19 curve, “he said.
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