Modi to discuss Covid surge with CMs of all states

Senior government officials in Bengal anticipated that some restrictions might be announced for the states to stop rapid spread of the infection

Narendra Modi: File picture

Pranesh Sarkar   |  TT | Calcutta   |  06.04.21: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a video conference with chief ministers and chief secretaries of all states at 6.30pm on April 8 to discuss Covid-19 situation in the country.

Sources at Nabanna said Mamata Banerjee might not be able to attend the video-conference because of her pre-scheduled election rallies, but the chief secretary, Alapan Bandyopadhyay, would take part in the session.

Senior government officials in Bengal anticipated that some restrictions might be announced for the states to stop rapid spread of Covid-19 after daily positive cases in the country crossed 1 lakh mark for the first time on Sunday.

Sources said the timing of the meeting clearly suggested that some restrictions were likely to be announced to arrest the rapid spread of the virus, which is considered to be the second wave.

“Elections in all other states, which had alongside Bengal, would be over by April 6 and in case any re-polling is required, it would be over by 6.30pm on Thursday. The PM is holding meeting soon after elections are over in all other states, except Bengal. This suggests some restrictions might be announced by the PM,” said a source.

The sources also said the anticipation of imposing some restrictions was gaining momentum as the chief secretary had called a meeting with the districts where elections were over on April 9, a day after the PM’s video conference.

“The chief secretary would hold a video conference with the DMs, SPs and CMOHs of Purulia, Jhargram, Bankura, East Midnapore and West Midnapore where elections are already over. It gives a hint that some restrictions are likely to be announced in these districts alongside rest of the country,” said an official.

Bengal would have five more phases of elections, the last phase of polls would be held on April 29, after the PM’s meeting.

“The restrictions might not apply for the Bengal districts where elections are yet to be held. But it is clear a district would come under the restrictions as soon as elections would be over in the district,” said another official.

Sources in the health department said besides the restrictions, Modi might lay stress on following Covid -19 protocols strictly and lay stress on vaccination programme.

“But it is unlikely that a complete lockdown would be announced. Measures like night curfew and restrictions on public gathering could be announced,” said a source in the health department.