On Wednesday, April 7, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray held a meeting with the business sub-committee of the cabinet with regards to the traders protesting and giving a 24-hour ultimatum to the government to open all the shops.
The traders, citing economic losses, had earlier stated that the coronavirus induced lockdown across the state needs to be withdrawn. However, CM Thackeray, responding to the demand of the traders stated that no one wants to be restricted or in a lockdown, however, due to the nature of the second wave of the coronavirus, stringent steps need to be taken.
The CM further mentioned that the number of workers in Mumbai alone is in lakhs. As a result of travelling and frequent visitation, the spread of COVID-19 is likely to increase. Explaining the reason for the lockdown, he added that Mumbai has a large influx of people from outside the state as a result of which, it becomes pertinent to maintain the security of the people and safeguard their wellbeing.
Earlier on Monday, April 5, Maharashtra had imposed a near lockdown with the exception of transport services and essentials, under which all non-essential shops, markets, and malls have been asked to remain shut till April 30.
Meanwhile, the trader body has stated that if the protest fails to yield results, they will initiate a non-cooperation movement, wherein shops may be kept open in defiance and traders may refuse to pay taxes. Moreover, several traders have claimed that they have been talking to the Finance Minister and many MLAs. However, these discussions are yet to receive a positive response.
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