While Karnataka CM appreciates decision on lockdown extension, Congress takes a dig at PM Modi

Bengaluru: Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa appreciated the lockdown extension and said the state would ensure following of guidelines which will be announced tomorrow. 

Yediyurappa said, "I welcome PM Modi's decision to extend the lockdown till May 3. Our government will implement GOI guidelines which will be announced tomorrow. As the PM has said, we have improved our medical infrastructure."

"Lockdown will be followed more stringently till April 20 as the Prime Minister said and the situation will be closely monitored. I appeal to the people of Karnataka to voluntarily cooperate with us to contain this disease," he added. 

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He also urged people to follow the 7 steps PM Modi announced to ensure the spread of coronavirus is contained. 

He also stressed that the government will take care of the farmers in this time of crisis and will not let them worry. He also appealed to the migrant labourers not to go back to their natives. 

"We will make all efforts to carry out agriculture activities without any hurdle.  I make a special appeal to migrant labours to stay wherever they are and be safe. I once again appeal to all to follow lockdown guidelines without fail. Stay home and be safe," he stated. 

Meanwhile, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee president DK Shivakumar agreed to cooperate with the PM's appeal but said Congress is shocked that the PM didn't speak about the economic package in these times of crisis. 

"We are ready to cooperate with his (PM) appeal to the nation, but it is unfortunate and it is shocking to all of us as we expected an economic package. We expected that he would answer the Congress president's letters as we need economic strength in this county. We agree on all his points on health issues and we respect his concern. But at the same time, people of this country will have to be stable. No packages, no incentives were announced. This is unfortunate," DK Shivakumar said. 

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