HM Amit Shah meets PM; briefs on CMs views on lockdown

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and informed him about the views of all chief ministers on the extension of the ongoing nationwide lockdown beyond May 31, officials said.

“During the meeting, Shah briefed Modi about the suggestions and the feedback he received from the chief ministers during his telephonic conversations on Thursday,” a government official said.

The nationwide curbs were first announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 24 for 21 days in a bid to contain the spread of novel coronavirus. It was first extended till May 3 and then again till May 17. The lockdown was further extended till May 31.

The home minister’s telephonic conversations with the chief ministers came just three days before the end of the fourth phase of the lockdown.

“During his talks with the chief ministers, Shah sought to know the areas of concern of the states and the sectors they want to open up further from June 1,” the official said.

Interestingly, till now, it was Modi who had interacted with all chief ministers through video conference before the extension of each phase of the coronavirus-induced lockdown and sought their views.

This was for the first time that the home minister spoke to the chief ministers individually before the end of another phase of the lockdown.

“Shah was present in all the conferences of chief ministers along with the prime minister. It is understood that the majority of the chief ministers wanted the lockdown to continue in some form but also favored opening up of the economic activities and gradual return of the normal life,” another official said.

The central government is expected to announce its decision on the lockdown within the next two days.