PM Modi, CMs Interact Via Video Conference; Review Of Lockdown In India Likely

Narendra Modi's interaction with Chief Ministers of different states is underway in order to discuss the course of action regarding nationwide lockdown, which is ending on May 3rd.

(DD/PTI Photo)

New Delhi: As the nationwide lockdown imposed by the Centre to battle the Coronavirus situation in India, is approaching its purported end on May 3^rd, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is interacting with the Chief Ministers of different states, with a decision on lockdown as a probable agenda. A calculated decision on whether or not to extend the lockdown, or  otherwise how to phase the lifting of the lockdown, becomes imperative as the country is faced with continuous surge in the cases of Coronavirus. This is the Prime Minister’s third video conference with the chief ministers after the COVID-19 outbreak in the nation. Aspects related to Covid-19 situation will be discussed between the CMs and the Prime Minister, the PMO said in a tweet ahead of the meeting.

At 10 AM, Shri @narendramodi will be interacting with state Chief Ministers via video conferencing. They will be discussing aspects relating to the COVID-19 situation.

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 27, 2020

This conference is targeted on the trail ahead in the fight against the novel coronavirus amid indications that the discussions could also focus on a graded exit from the ongoing lockdown.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi holds video conference with the Chief Ministers of all States on COVID19 situation. pic.twitter.com/D9kiiXk4XK

— ANI (@ANI) April 27, 2020

The last video conference had taken place on April 11, when several Chief Ministers had suggested the Prime Minister to extend the initial 21-day lockdown by another two weeks. Also Check: Coronavirus In India LIVE Updates Following the meeting, on April 14, the prime minister announced that the lockdown is being extended till May 3. In the upcoming interaction, the PM is expected to seek views of the states in lifting the lockdown, which is in place till May 3. The Centre and the state governments have been giving gradual relaxation in various fields and sectors to boost economic activities as also to provide relief to people. But some states are willing to extend the lockdown beyond May 3 to ensure that coronavirus cases remain under control. The Centre has now allowed neighborhood and standalone shops, including those located in residential complexes, in urban areas to open during the lockdown. But those in the markets continue to remain shut till May 3. Before the lockdown was announced on March 24, the Prime Minister had interacted with the Chief Ministers on March 20 to discuss ways and means to check the spread of the novel coronavirus. Also Watch: What May Happen In PM Modi's Review Meeting To Assess Lockdown Situation