Karnataka CM hints at opening malls, hotels, cinema halls after May 31, if Centre allows

Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa has written to the Centre seeking permission to open malls, cinema houses, restaurants and hotels when lockdown 4.0 ends to revive the state's economy

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is in favour of opening up malls, hotels, restaurants and cinema halls after May 31, when lockdown 4.0 ends, provided the Centre agrees, a Times of India report stated.

Giving an indication to this effect on Wednesday, Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa told reporters, “I’ve written to the Centre seeking permission to open hotels, restaurants and malls. I’m awaiting their reply. I am hopeful that we will get permission.”

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He said that with the movement of people from one place to another having started in a big way, there is a need to open hotels and lodges to enable them to have food and accommodation. “I have explained the same in the letter. Ultimately, the Centre will take a call,” he added.

While malls await government permission, big standalone stores, such as Lifestyle and Shoppers Stop, have already reopened in Bengaluru, marking the resumption of local commerce and business. On Bengaluru’s high street, Brigade Road, nearly 60% of outlets, including Levi’s and OnePlus, have restarted operations.

Hotels and restaurants have started preparations to resume business from Monday in anticipation of getting permission. “The state government has assured us we will get permission to open from Monday. We hope the Centre will also give the green signal as opening hotels and restaurants has become inevitable after the movement of people has been allowed,” said B Chandrashekhar Hebbar, president, Karnataka Pradesh Hotels and Restaurants Association.