Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday, September 5, urged political parties not to demand to reopen places where crowds cannot be avoided.
Thackeray also mentioned that the easing of COVID-19 restrictions across the state would be based on the availability of oxygen. He further noted that it is up to the people to prevent or invite a 'third wave' of the pandemic.
His observations come in the backdrop of protests staged earlier this week by the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) seeking the reopening of temples and other places of worship.
The CM made these remarks at the inauguration of a virtual medical conference of family doctors organized by the state’s COVID task force on the measures to prevent a possible third wave.
Without naming the opposition BJP and MNS, Thackeray said that playing politics at this time was to play with people’s lives. “I am amazed that some people are asking to open temples and other religious places and are questioning us. They need to have patience. We need to be sure that what we have allowed opening now should not be shut again later,” he said.
We have to prioritise public health over politics. Many are insisting on opening up more activities. But, let's not forget that these demands can lead to severe consequences. We have a lifetime to politicize issues; at this point, citizens' lives are more important. pic.twitter.com/lc6jC6W9YP
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) September 5, 2021
He further added: “We will open up completely once we are sure of it. However, if we do it in haste, then we would not be free of this pandemic not just for months but for years. It would be constantly with us.”
The conference was attended by medical practitioners from various parts of the state and also the COVID-19 task force members.
Speaking about the possible third wave of coronavirus, Thackeray said that many parts of the world are experiencing it and efforts should be made to ensure that it does not come to Maharashtra. If at all it does, the risk should be reduced.
Many parts of the world are experiencing the third wave. We must try our best to ensure that the third wave does not set in, and if at all it does, the state machinery is ensuring that it is mitigated. #MajhaDoctor pic.twitter.com/1f3FODCiud
— CMO Maharashtra (@CMOMaharashtra) September 5, 2021
Noting that the second wave of COVID-19 is under control, the chief minister said, there is a slight increase in the number of daily cases in the last few days.
Share
Tweet
