Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Jan 7: The Karnataka government's decision to impose weekend curfew, night curfew and other curbs amid rising number of coronavirus cases has stirred resentment and disappointment within the BJP. A few cabinet colleagues of the ruling party have expressed unhappiness over the move.

It is learnt that ministers including K S Eshwarappa have openly criticized the implementation of curfew even in districts where the cases are relatively low. Chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, however, has defended the action taken by the government.

"Cases of coronavirus infections are increasing in main cities of the state, including Bengaluru. If curfew is implemented in only the cities, people will migrate to their native places. That will increase the cases in rural areas also. That is why uniform curfew rules are implemented across the state," Bommai said.

"Several civic organizations have also put forward their demands. We have already held discussions on reopening liquor stores and other issues during our cabinet meeting, but no decision has been taken yet," he said.

Though the cabinet ministers insisted on relaxing the rules in districts where the cases are low, it is learnt that the chief minister decided to continue the status quo till Sankranti festival on January 14. Depending on the situation, decision will be taken on relaxing the curbs thereafter.

Speaking at a press conference, minister Madhuswamy said, "Uniform Covid regulations are applied throughout the state till January 19. There is an opinion among some of our cabinet colleagues that these restrictions are not needed in some districts. That is why we will look into the possibility of revising the rules on January 15."