Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, May 14: The number of cases of coronavirus infections in the state has come down after lockdown was announced. Revenue minister R Ashok opined that it would be a wise thing to extend the lockdown.

Ashok spoke to the scribes in the city and also said that he will discuss this matter with CM Yediyurappa. He further said, “It is better if lockdown is extended. As a citizen of Bengaluru, I will request the CM to extend the lockdown."

“In Maharashtra and Delhi, the cases are more than in Karnataka. They got the second wave prior to us. They extended the lockdown. We will follow that. CM will have a meeting three to four days prior to the end of this lockdown. We will give him a suggestion. Following this, the CM will decide whether or not to extend the lockdown."

Ashok inaugurated the BBMP hospital which has got a facility for 40 beds. Out of the 40, 20 beds will have an oxygen concentrator facility while the rest 20 are general beds.

Speaking about the facilities in the hospital, the minister said, “We have started a special centre for children besides this hospital. There are 50 beds in it for them. There is provision for parents also to be with them during treatment. This action is taken to prevent inconvenience to children. Doctors and officials have worked hard for the past 10 days to get this centre ready. This Covid Care Centre will be helpful for patients who required oxygen for a short duration. Doctors and specialists will be available here as well. We are making all preparations to face the third wave. There is no shortage of vaccination in our constituency. The vaccine is being provided for all above the age of 45."

“It is better to extend the lockdown even though the cases of coronavirus have reduced. When we implemented the lockdown, opposition parties were criticizing.”

Reacting to Siddaramaiah's remarks against the BJP government in the state, minister Ashok said, “Siddaramaiah writes tweets in the comfort of his home. Whereas, we are with the public 24x7. There is no need for politics at this time. The whole world knows the effort PM Modi is putting in to contain the spread of the virus. Meanwhile, Siddaramaiah is on Twitter. The BJP ministers are working round the clock. I recommend Siddaramaiah give up politics and join hands with us.”