Prime Minister Narendra Modi who held a virtual meeting of chief ministers on Saturday to decide on the nationwide Covid-19 lockdown that ends on April 14 decided to go with the opinion of the Chief ministers who wanted an extension of the lockdown. PM Modi didn’t elaborate on the mechanics of the plan that he had in mind but spent most of the meeting listening the chief ministers. A statement by the Prime Minister’s Office later said chief ministers of most states were in the favour of extending the lockdown. Some also spoke about allowing the resumption of economic activities in a manner that is not counter-productive to the united fight against the coronavirus disease. The prime minister has also indicated that the government’s motto had changed in the last two weeks from ‘Jaan hai to Jahaan hai’ (life is above all) to ‘Jaan bhi, jahaan bhi” (lives and livelihoods, both matter).

Several chief ministers spoke their mind on the Covid-19 pandemic and how their state intended to move forward.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that PM had decided to extend the lockdown and added that it was the right decision to make.

“PM has taken the correct decision to extend lockdown. Today, India’s position is better than many developed countries because we started lockdown early. If it is stopped now, all gains would be lost. To consolidate, it is imp to extend it,” he twitted.Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday said that the lockdown announced last month to contain the coronavirus infection will extend at least till April 30. The lockdown will end only after the virus is defeated, he said.

“The lockdown will continue from April 14 to April 30. But after April 14, whatever we will do will be according to a plan. For colleges and schools, we are working out plans. For industry also, we are working out plans. When it starts, what will start first, what will the labourers do? All these issues require answers and I will share them with you by the 14th,” he said.

Mr Thackeray was one of the 13 chief ministers who discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi via video conference whether the lockdown – scheduled to end on April 14 – should be extended.

The PM at the meeting indicated that the lockdown amid the COVID-19 pandemic would be extended by two weeks after considering the requests of the chief ministers, who preferred a longer containment period.

“I was asked to speak first at the video conference. I shared my views with the Prime Minister. We have to concentrate in Mumbai and Pune. We have not stopped farming activities anywhere and that will continue. Essential services will continue. Post the 14th, we don’t want any chaos in Maharashtra,” Mr Thackeray said.

Maharashtra is the worst-hit state in the country with 1,574 coronavirus cases, including 110 deaths.

“The cases that are being are being detected now are definitely worrying but you will see wherever we find cases we seal it completely. No one is allowed to go inside or come out. We are delivering essentials like bread, vegetables and medicines. The BMC (Mumbai’s municipal body) is screening families in all areas that have been sealed,” he said.