Nawab Malik, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader has stated that the Maharashtra government is ready to deal with the cases of coronavirus with regards to the reopening of temples in the state.
Earlier on November 16, the state government had announced its decision to reopen places of worship after eight months. Speaking about the same, Malik added that guidelines have been issued in view of maintaining social distancing amidst the pandemic, further asking people to remain cautious, assuring that if a surge in cases is reported, the health infrastructure is equipped to deal with it.
According to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) released by the state government, religious places located out of COVID-19 containment zones have been permitted to reopen as per the timings decided by authorities as the devotees will be allowed inside in a staggered manner.
The opposition in the state, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the past had been severely criticizing the government further questioning the Thackeray-led government’s decision to not reopen temples at a time when bars were permitted to reopen. CM Thackeray, however, had justified his decision stating that it is difficult to follow social distancing in places of worship. Furthermore, the issue had also led to a stand-off between Thackeray and state Governor BS Koshyari.