Even as Hindu marriage season has began from November 15, BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government, on Wednesday, announced total lifting of all COVID-19 restrictions in the state.
Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, following a meeting with senior officials, announced that COVID-19 situation is in total control in the state and so all social, political, sports, entertainment, cultural and religious activities will be allowed without restrictions with immediate effect. The night curfew from 11.00pm to 6.00am imposed across the state, has also been lifted.
The Congress objected to the sudden and complete lifting of restrictions, saying the state government was abdicating its responsibility to the people, and asked whether the government will take responsibility for the rise in infection levels and consequent loss of lives.
As on November 16, there were 77 active COVID-19 cases in the state with Bhopal reporting three and Indore reporting one new case during the last 24 hours. In all, 49,662 tests had been conducted during the period and 1,594 fever clinics were operational in the state, according to the daily COVID-19 bulletin of the health department.
CM Chouhan announced in a video message on social media platforms that processions of all kinds will be allowed, and as many people as desired will be able to attend marriage ceremonies. Any number of people will also be allowed for last rites.
Cinema halls, malls, swimming pools, clubs, gyms, yoga centres and restaurants will be allowed to function with full capacity. Similarly schools, colleges, hostels and coaching classes will be allowed to function with full capacity.
The CM, however, cautioned that people should still be alert to the pandemic “Guidelines on prevention should be followed including use of masks, washing of hands and getting tested in case of even mild symptoms. Everyone should get their second doses of vaccines too. We have to achieve the target of total vaccination together by December 31,” Chouhan said.
However, in a series of tweets, MP Congress chief and former chief minister Kamal Nath slammed the sudden, drastic decision. “There were no COVID-19 restrictions for BJP anyway and now after the mega event in Jamboree ground in Bhopal, restrictions have been lifted for common people too. It seems that the Shivraj government has taken the decision in haste. The decision has been taken at a time when the country has 1,28,455 active cases and has reported more than 10,000 new cases in the past 24 hours, when the world is evincing concern over possible third wave and when children below 18 years are yet to be vaccinated,” Nath said.
He said rather than lifting the restrictions at one go, they should have been relaxed in a phased manner. “It seems as if the government has left people to the mercy of God and is running away from its responsibility. Has the government made all arrangements to ensure following of COVID-19 guidelines before taking the decision. If infection increases after this decision of the government, if there is loss of lives, will the government take responsibility?” Nath asked.
