The threat of the novel coronavirus seems to have pushed to the background political differences between the Narendra Modi government at the Centre and the Arvind Kejriwal dispensation as the two have, in recent times, projected a picture of unity in announcing measures to control the spread of the virus in the national capital.
Lt Governor Anil Baijal, the Centre's representative in Delhi, and the chief minister, who had been at loggerheads over division of powers, have been meeting on an almost-daily basis for the past several days to assess the situation arising out of the spread of coronavirus. On Wednesday, Baijal and Kejriwal held their second joint press conference on the issue.
“In the apex committee meeting of this group, which has been meeting almost every day, in connection with the coronavirus and how to deal with it, at the outset we all congratulated the prime minister for his bold, decisive but unavoidable initiative, because given the situation that we are in, locking down was the only answer,” said Baijal at the joint briefing with Kejriwal. The chief minister agreed, saying the step was essential to protect the lives of the people.
Baijal and Kejriwal spoke about having discussed measures to minimise inconvenience to the people because of the lockdown, especially when it comes to access to essential services and supplies.
“The Centre, Lt Governor, Delhi government, Delhi Police, we are all working unitedly to safeguard your health, to protect your lives and to ensure that essential services and goods are provided to you,” Kejriwal said.
It was decided that the state-level disaster management committee will issue the necessary directions for implementation of the 21-day lockdown.
Nodal officers have been appointed to ensure that the chain of supply for essential commodities are maintained. It was also decided that steps will be taken to allow people to place their orders for groceries and medicines either telephonically or online.
“We have made all arrangements to ensure that there is no scarcity of essential supplies. Please do not indulge in panic buying. It is our responsibility to ensure that essential supplies reach your areas,” Kejriwal said.
ALSO READ
- Empty chairs on stage for jailed Hemant Soren, Delhi CM in INDIA mega rally
- Arvind Kejriwal thinks and speaks like a criminal, claims BJP MP Manoj Tiwari
- Sunita Kejriwal to campaign for AAP in Gujarat; Punjab candidate list out
- ‘Inmates can sign legal papers, complaints’: Tihar’s clarification amid row over Kejriwal issuing orders
- Kejriwal's plea against arrest in SC today; Bhagwant Mann to meet Delhi CM in jail
- Suspense mounts over possibility of President's rule in Delhi
The chief minister said that those who provide essential services but do not have office ID cards—such as those who run grocery shops or vegetable shops or work in factories involved in manufacture of essential items or are employed in milk plants—can contact a helpline, whose number would soon be launched. An e-pass will be issued to them to allow them to commute to their workplace.
Kejriwal also announced a helpline number, 23469536, that has been made operational in the Delhi Police commissioner's office, for any queries regarding the lockdown restrictions.
