Thread by @CMOMaharashtra

CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray’s address to the State today;

Days are passing by, many are asking me the same question. This question is in your mind as well as mine, about the battle that is going on. The situation in the world reminds me of Lata Mangeshkarji's song: sarnar kadhi rana? (When will this battle end?)

We are waiting for the battle to end. When the enemy is before us, we the people of Hindustan and Maharashtra, would have trounced him long ago. But, the problem is, this enemy is different, he is invisible and uses our own people to attack us.

Even then, you people have shown unparallel bravery, patience, and perseverance. This battle will complete six weeks in Maharashtra tomorrow.

Many have questions about the situation in Mumbai and Maharashtra. I am humbly keeping some information before you. This does not mean other States are not doing anything.

These figures are as on yesterday evening, and have may have changed. There is a clamour for tests to be conducted. Yes, we are testing and increasing infrastructure. By yesterday evening, 66,796 tests were conducted, and around 95% people have tested negative.

Around 3,600 of those tested are positive. Around 300 to 350 are cured, have been discharged and allowed to leave for home. 70-75% have very mild symptoms or are asymptomatic.

Around 52 patients are critical. I am learning from doctors that many times, they come to us in the last stage, which impedes our efforts. It takes some time for the results to come in even though we test on priority for serious cases.

So, my request is, do not ignore cold, fever and cough. Do not self-medicate. We have started fever clinics for people with these symptoms. It is not as if touching a positive patient will infect others. Using a mask and maintaining social distance can prevent this.

Don’t feel that people will shun you if you have these symptoms. No, Maharashtra does not believe in this culture. Report to the fever clinic if you show these symptoms, do not run away from the situation. Sooner you do this, the sooner you will be treated and cured.

As I said last time, being infected by Corona does not mean everything is over. In many cases, even those seriously ill made a recovery and were discharged.

Patients from the age cohort of a six month old child to a grandmother in the 83-84-85 age group, were cured. People recover if they get treatment at the right time.

Yesterday evening, I spoke to some private hospitals and medical practitioners in Mumbai. I am happy that they are in this fight with us.

They have assured that they will re-launch their practice, specially for non-COVID patients, like those suffering from kidney ailments, heart disease diabetes etc.

They need treatment, and for this, these facilities need to be operational in any case.

My request to doctors from across Maharashtra is, please restart on lines of these doctors in Mumbai. Do not be afraid. We will give you necessary help as the government in issues like supply of PPE kits.

There is a shortage of this equipment globally but the Centre is supplying it and the State Government is also procuring it from wherever possible. We are meeting the demand. The condition is surely improving.

We have supplied PDS grain to around 80-90% people. Those with saffron ration cards will get grains at subsidised rates soon. A decision had been taken by the State Government.

The Centre is also helping us in our demand for supply at the minimum support price. We will also examine what more can be done. Discussions are on with the Centre.

Many say, the Centre gives free grain, why dont you? But they are giving only rice for free, and that is for the NFS scheme beneficiaries.

Along with rice, we have also sought wheat and dal. I am sure that the Centre will accept this soon and we will begin distributing these stocks once we get them. Gradually, things are falling into place and the system is working.

Thankfully, some districts in Maharashtra have Zero patients.

We have created red, orange and green zones. The red zone will cover areas where patients are increasing, the orange zone will include areas where patients have been found, but numbers are not rising. The green zone is in place where there are no patients.

We are allowing some industrial activity in orange and green zones with restrictions and precautions. Instructions have been given. So far, we had given permissions only for industries in the essential sector and transport of essentials.

We have told owners, that wherever possible, if you can take care of your employees and workers in your premises, we will supply grain, you will also get necessary raw material. Do your work.

We want transport of goods and not that of the virus. I do not want to take risks. I know it is tough to sit like this doing nothing. It is a punishment in itself. Take this as a duty!

I want to give two more numbers. People may feel uneasy, depressed, lonely, and frustrated, after sitting at home for days. Then what is to be done? The government has two numbers for this. Take them down.

The first is by the BMC and Birla, which is among many voluntary groups that are coming forth to help. This number is 1800120820050

The second has been launched by the Tribal Development Department, Project Mumbai and Prafulla- 18001024040

But, the borders of districts will not be opened up, except for goods transport. Of course, we will have to stay at home. People will not be able to move from one district to another. We will have to follow these restrictions this at least till May 3.

Those who are happy, are praising me, and those who feel that I am not acting according to their interests, may be unhappy.

Perhaps my fears may be unfounded and unnecessary. I am willing to be vilified for the sake of Maharashtra. I will accept this criticism like I accept praise. I do not want to take any risks during this health emergency. I want to finish off this problem in the entire State.

We are doing all that we can. But till May 3, everything else will be shut during the lockdown.

NO cultural, social or political programs, NO railway and airplane transport will be allowed by then in Maharashtra.

In 2-3 days, we are taking a decision on starting few businesses in rest of Maharashtra other than Mumbai and Pune. Don’t worry, everyone wants to work. No one likes putting restrictions.

On the contrary, as the CM and the Government, we would like to give freedom & independence to the people. But, our hand has been forced by the situation. I know you understand this and hence are cooperating.

Even the migrant labour from other States have decided to co-operate and are at peace. We are discussing with the Central Government, I am sure that a solution will be evolved in the coming days.

I appeal to the migrant labour do not worry, we are gradually starting activity in Maharashtra again, and if possible, resume work so that your livelihood is ensured. Once things ease, I promise you, the Maharashtra Govt will ensure that you go home.

Tell your family not to worry for you as you are being taken care of in Maharashtra by the Government.

I understand what you must feel when your family is elsewhere. But, we want that when you go home, you must go home in a happy state of mind, and not in a situation where you and your family members are scared.

These days too shall pass soon, and the good days will be back once again.

With these words, let me thank everyone.

Jai Hind, Jai Maharashtra!

We will fight and win!