Amit Shah Discussed Way Forward After May 31 With Key Ministers (Feature)
New Delhi:
Interior Minister Amit Shah has contacted all chief ministers, sources said, asking for comments on the foreclosure and their views on extending or lifting it after May 31, when the current phase is expected terminate. All the chief ministers have given their opinion on how they want to move forward.
Sources said that unlike other times, when the cabinet secretary was the only one making initial contact, it was political outreach.
The government is concerned about the sharp criticism of its strategy against the coronaviruses of the opposition and the heads of state, which pushed it to change its position on several occasions.
Interior Ministry sources said yesterday that the path to the lockdown “would be a political call”.
Government options include pursuing the National Disaster Management Act, which empowers the Center to make all decisions regarding health, which is a matter of state. Or it can allow states to have a final call on how they wish to proceed.
During the last prolongation of imprisonment in mid-May, the government had authorized broad easing, leaving it to the state to set the limits.
