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.
The protesters, who gathered near the Sanskrit College Circle here, raised slogans glorifying Vishvesha Tirtha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt and slammed the Dalit leaders, who raised voice against him.
Comments
Why is Pejawar seer, BJP and RSS hiding behind these sold out , so-called Muslims. why can't they come out on their own?
This is amusing. First ask pejawar seer why he keeps endorsing all the abuses and threats against the Muslims community during the \Hindu samajotsavas\" where he's the main organiser. Pejawar seer is the leading light of the VHP and Bajrang Dal. Please ask him to tell his group the VHP and Bajrang Dal to stop killing and raping Muslims (nowadays in the name of beef as well), then he can ask for their support. Thank you"
These are Muslims just in name. We need to know how much BJP & RSS has promised to give them for this publicity stunt. pejawar is behind the growth of the RSS and BD in the region, that has made life of Muslims miserable, and think they are 2nd class citizens. He was a leading light of the Babri demolition, and also behind the gau rakshaks who beat up and kill muslim traders . Instead of hiding behind these 'Muslims for rent', BJP and RSS should \protect\" Pejawar themselves, if they have any shame"
oh
Abdullah told good answer
Members of Udupi District Muslim Souharda Vedike (Bunch of Jokers in Udupi) , first of all you people protect yourself then talk about protecting the temple.
One of your hardcore Member (ANSAR) he himself is a THIEF, he had stolen gold at his own home in 2003, his father registered complaint in Udupi town police station. after investigation police arrested him.
Who is this Arif. Is he representative of Muslim community. I think such people led the protesters of sangh parivar to pelt stones to Masjids and shops/houses belongs to Muslims. I hope these ppl gave information to sangh parivars aboutthe Muslims who sacrifice animals. Is he really Arif and only a name given by sangh parivar to divide muslim community.
Muslims got high respect on Shri Krishna Matt . One should not cause any harm to mutt. Shri Pejawar Swamiji had gone all along from Udupi to Ayodhya to destroy the Babri Masjid.
Please dont call Muslims ... Call MRM sold outs... to cheddis
This Swamiji motivated the terrorist goons to demolish 5 century old Babri Masjid. thereby destroyed secularism in India. now needs the support of bone-licking munafiks
Let those mutt swamis chelas protect it....why muslims....go and protect yourself...from hell fire.....
Pejawar seer is known as as a hardcore advocate of RSS
well done. Thank you for staging protest and showing solidarity.. let's unite for good cause.
Dear Muslim Brother's.
First protect yourself from Hell fire.Later you can think of protecting other's. First learn about Islam then advise your Pejawar Sree about Islam and life after death.
Fear ALLAH,Obey Prophet Muhammed(pbuh).
It is a plan of pejawara.
his mutt has given some money to non practicing muslims (only name is muslim).
He want to devide dalits and muslims.
Mr. Arif how can say muslim community would be there to protect the thieves!!!???
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