PM Meet With CMs: While TN Chief Minister Asks Centre Not to Resume Train Services, Other States Have Their Own Demands!

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, held a video conference with Chief Ministers today to focus on a strategy for a phased exit from the lockdown. During the meeting, he stressed on his government's efforts to fight against the spread of coronavirus.

"Before taking a considered view, this time we decided to invite all Chief Ministers to speak," said PM Modi. This meeting comes a day after the government took a major step by allowing limited passenger train services from May 12.  

Amid the meeting, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was the first one to speak up. She attacked the centre by saying it was "using coronavirus as an excuse to play politics. This is not the time to do politics, don't bulldoze the federal structure."

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palanisamy requested PM Modi not to resume flights and trains this month especially in Chennai as the COVID-19 cases are on spike rise in the state. 

Other state chief minister like Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Jagan Mohan Reddy stressed on reopening agricultural markets, public transport, markets and shopping malls with some SOPs to prevent infections.

Other state ministers have also raised concerns about the crisis for migrants, economic measures to help migrants, small and medium industries and to help revive consumption in each state.

Amid a spike in states like Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, the chief minister have demanded a graded exit from the lockdown based on red, orange and green zones. This meeting is expected to continue till 9.30 pm with a 30-minute break at 6:00 pm.