Maharashtra has reported the most number of COVID-19 cases in India. Opposition leader and former chief minister Devendra Fadnavis said it was the time to work together to mitigate the crisis. In an exclusive interview, he spoke to THE WEEK on a range of issues—from the state government’s handling of the pandemic to the allegation that an IPS officer had helped the promoters of DHFL violate the lockdown. Excerpts from the interview:
Q/Are you satisfied with the handling of the COVID-19 outbreak in the state by the Maha Vikas Aghadi government?
A/I am not speaking as the leader of the opposition. We feel it is time to work together. I have spoken to Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and have made suggestions. Maharashtra has the highest number of cases; approximately 50 per cent of deaths are in our state. It is an emergency situation in Mumbai, where community spread appears imminent. I feel a different strategy is needed to handle the situation.
Q/What changes would you suggest?
A/There is a need to decentralise supplies. We have received food stock from the Centre for public distribution, but the state government is taking conflicting decisions. Our demand is that those who have ration cards be given food grains through PDS. Around 15 states have decided that those who do not have ration cards should also get supplies through PDS. There are over one crore people in Maharashtra who do not have ration cards; they are mostly migrant labourers. It is our duty to supply them food grains. The state government says they will be provided food through community kitchens, but that is an impractical proposal.
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