Uddhav Thackeray cancels social, religious gatherings, says 'situation can go out of hand'

To contain the spread of the virus in the state, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Monday directed the cancellation of all social, religious, and political gatherings and meetings in the state, according to sources. This comes after experts say crowding could lead to a rise in the number of Covid-19 cases the state.

CM Uddhav on Monday said that the health of citizens was a priority and celebrations could be held later as well. "We can celebrate festivals later. Let us prioritise the lives and health of our citizens.

The situation can go out of hand in view of the spike in daily cases," he said in a statement. The Chief Minister, along with several other senior cabinet ministers, took part in the Disaster management meeting held Monday.

"Who would like to impose restrictions on festivals and religious programmes? But people's lives are important," he added.

Earlier, CM Uddhav had urged people not to protest for the reopening of temples and other establishments/places. In his inaugural address at the virtual Majha Doctor conference, CM Thackeray lambasted leaders of the Opposition parties who are asking the government to allow religious places to open that were shut following the devasting second wave of Covid-19.

"Some people are in hurry to reopen some establishments but I request them to wait for some more time 'because we don't want to open them and then close again if the situation gets worse", the Chief Minister said

Health Minister Rajesh Top had also cautioned that the state could witness around 60 lakh cases with the possibility of India hurtling towards a COVID-19 'third wave'. Tope said that while around 20 lakh were affected in the first wave followed by 40 lakh in the second, the dreaded next wave may lead to over 60 lakh cases.