Amit Shah speaks to all CMs, seeks views on extension of lockdown

NEW DELHI: Union home minister Amit Shah on Thursday spoke to all chief ministers on the lockdown enforced to contain the spread of Covid-19 amid indications that states will continue to have a major say in deciding the curbs and opening-up measures. Shah is said to have elicited the CMs’ views on the way ahead after the fourth phase of the lockdown ends on May 31.

There has been speculation over Lockdown 5.0 but discussions are still on. The negative list, barring activities in areas with high incidence of the disease, is expected to be further pruned. In the past, PM Narendra Modi has consulted the CMs.

It is felt that it will take another week to 10 days for a fuller assessment of the impact of migration of lakhs of workers to their home states in recent weeks. This will be a key factor going ahead though the graded exit seems likely to continue. Home minister Amit Shah’s discussions with chief ministers are likely to shape the Centre’s anti-coronavirus strategy in the days ahead.