Bengaluru, Apr 18: Hours after announcing that two-wheelers will be allowed to ply and that IT/BT companies can resume operations with 33 per cent strength, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Saturday took a u-turn and rolled them back, citing “public opinion” as the reason.
Earlier in the day, Yediyurappa announced that, after April 20, there will not be any restriction on the movement of two-wheelers in areas that are not COVID-19 containment zones. Yediyurappa also said that a third of IT/BT employees will be allowed to go to the office after April 20.
“In the backdrop of public opinion and after discussions with senior officials, it has been decided that the prohibition on two-wheelers will continue throughout the lockdown period,” a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office said. “And in the IT/BT sector, only essential services will be allowed and the work-from-home policy will continue.”
According to sources, the u-turn came following opposition from Yediyurappa’s Cabinet colleagues. “If I was in the meeting, I’d not have allowed it,” a minister said. Only Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Revenue Minister R Ashoka were in the meeting Yediyurappa held earlier in the day. The Opposition also stemmed from the fact that there was no need to make decisions on the lockdown when the Cabinet was scheduled to meet on April 20, sources said.
The incoordination was apparent on Friday when Deputy Chief Minister CN Ashwath Narayan, the IT/BT minister, said 50 per cent of employees in the sector will be permitted to work while Yediyurappa said this would depend on the number of cases reported in the coming days.
Other announcements made by Yediyurappa remain unchanged.
“Places, where COVID-19 cases are reported, will be identified as containment zones. In such containment zones, an incident commander will be appointed and given magisterial power. Teams comprising the police and health department officials will oversee the lockdown,” Yediyurappa said. “Lockdown will be much more stringent in these areas and no one will be allowed to step out. Essential supplies will be delivered home.”
According to Bommai, there were 32 containment zones in Bengaluru and ‘hotspots’ have been identified in eight districts.
With an eye on restarting economic activities, the government will allow construction work and industries. “In urban areas, construction work will be allowed to start wherever construction workers have the facility to stay on site,” Yediyurappa said. “The manufacturing sector in rural areas and industrial units located in the special economic zones (SEZ) and townships in urban areas will be allowed to function,” he said.
Stating that inter-state travel will be prohibited, Yediyurappa said the districts of Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural and Ramnagara will be considered as one only for the movement of industrial workers.
Asked about liquor sale, Yediyurappa said a decision will be taken after May 3. The government has already prohibited liquor sale till April 20 midnight.
Comments
Its all like a Drama.... nee Atta haage maadu.. naaa hodeda haage maduttene...
If you have real concern about Mangalore Minority, Please please please arrest him.. your own government your own administration.
Hello Kodichal bhai, why sou moto case ? Let the people know that You or your Congressmen doesn't have guts to register a case against him. Wear Bangles and sit at home, your prepoll planned press conference will not give any mileage. We all know you guys want bhatta or any other card to use it for your election purpose. Know one is dependent on Karnataka congress government. Also tell ministers in DK to wear saree and sit at home. Don't worry about Bhatta, we know how to deal with him and out to prevent communal harmony.
Haji Ibrahim Bhai.
Two years back same bhatta barked at Gurupura against Muslims, the same congress party is ruling karnataka... Until now no any action taken against him.
Youth congRSS president Mithun Rai shouted at Gurupura, in future if bhatta going to speak anywhere he will take hindu youngsters of congRSS to stop his speech. Where is now this mithun?
You congRSS people can fool all the muslims one time, not all the time.
We now understand what is congRSS, and what is BJP.
Stop drama.... arrest bhatta now and put him behind jail for long time. then only we can understand original congress is ruling karnataka.
dont give any press conference.
No use of making bow, bow ...... in the public....Bhatta is ready with Anticipatory bill.... Still you trust xxxxxx cong ....
Shame on you kodichal.
Your own party ruling the karnataka.
Don't do drama in front of the people. There is no need to announce openly to arrest Batta. Order police to arrest him and put into cell.
What a drama?? you congress people are best for drama only, you people are in power and you people begging with police, shame on you congress.. Congress cheating people only with statement. Muslims also blindly supporting these people. what a tragedy.
These useless leaders are joking their selves! When the people gave them power why to fear RSS??? Or Is RSS controlling Congress Leaders??? Next time please don't come to ask for vote by showing RSS fear!!! People of Dk understood the Reality.
Your own Siddramulla Khan is ruling Karnataka. prior to last election he had promised to take action against Bhat. now his partymen want advice from Bhat's pariwar.
Add new comment