Many takers for KCR’s lockdown extension plan
The suggestion mooted by Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao on extending the nationwide lockdown by at least two weeks after April 14, when the three-week deadline ends, found favour from most sections, including political leaders across party lines and a crosssection of people, who all felt that in present circumstances, an extension of the lockdown is a must.
They opined that Chief Minister Rao’s argument that the economy could be recovered on a later date but lost human lives cannot be recovered was the clincher.
Though the end of the 21-days lockdown is near, April 14, number of Coronavirus positive cases are increasing, not only in the two Telugu states but also in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, New Delhi, among others.
In another week, it would be impossible to flatten the coronavirus curve. In these circumstances, if the lockdown is lifted and people start moving, gathering at public places and mingling in public transport modes, it is bound to further increase the reach of the virus and augment number of coronavirus cases to unmanageable levels.
Responding to Mr Rao’s proposal, offered to Prime Minister Narendra Modi when they spoke telephonically on Sunday, Lok Sabha MP and Telangana BJP president Bandi Sanjay Kumar said, “we welcome any decision to control the deadly Coronavirus. Everyone must support the decisions taken by all government, be it centre or state.”
Former MP and Congress leader, Vijayashanthi also welcomed the proposal, saying, “KCR correctly said loss of money can be recovered but we cannot recover loss of human lives.”
Mr D.V.N. Reddy, chairman, Telangana chapter, Builder’s Association of India, said, “we believe what the CM opined is correct. If lockdown is not extended, we can’t control people and positive cases will increase. We feel it should be extended up to April 30. We can track cases and put them in hospitals by April 15 across the country and use next 15 days to cure them.”
Dr T. Dasaratha Rami Reddy, Yashoda Hospitals, said “extension of lockdown is good as the number of cases is rapidly increasing. But it should be done only after another practical assessment of stock of the situation then. I personally feel it is better to extend for two more weeks to minimise the spread.”
Telangana Telugu Desam president L. Ramana said that “our party welcomes the extension of lockdown but it should be done after taking opinions from experts and public.”
TPCC treasurer Gudur Narayana Reddy also welcomed the extension of lockdown.
The proposal is based on local feedback and global reports, which clearly indicate the curve in India is rising and will do so for a few more weeks before it comes down. The CM has been monitoring it very closely and understands our country’s social behaviour best.
— K.R. SURESH REDDY,
MP TRS If coronavirus is not controlled by April 15, there is no other way except to extend the lockdown. The public of India supports this.
— N. RAMACHANDRA
RAO, MLC, BJP We welcome the proposal to extend the lockdown. Whatever decision is taken by Chief Minister for welfare of people of Telangana, we will extend our fullest support.
— PADMA CHARY, President, Telangana
Employee’s Union Prevention is better than cure. It is easier to stop something happening in first place than to repair damage afterwards. To prevent deadly coronavirus, extension of lockdown is the only way.
— PELLURU KRISHNA JYOTHI, Homemaker The Telangana government’s proposal to extend lockdown by another two weeks is, without a doubt, correct. But government should be more stringent in action in case of violations.
— K. SOWRY, Retired
bank employee We are experiencing lockdown since last 15 days. It is better to extend lockdown to protect lives of people. Nothing is more important than that.
— KANDADAI PAVAN KUMAR, Software
professional People may suffer temporarily during the lockdown, but will be all right once coronavirus is controlled. Extension of lockdown for some more days is a must in present situation.
— P. MOUNIKA REDDY, Homemaker