Chikmagalur: BJP National general secretary C.T. Ravi has expressed displeasure for imposing a night curfew for ten days from December 28^th onwards across the state to combat the Omicron coronavirus variant.

"I will not comment on whether the government has taken right or wrong steps with regard to night curfew. But experts have the opinion that there is no need to worry about the Omicron variant.  Now normalcy is restored in the country, at this juncture what is the necessity to impose restrictions on the people and businessmen," Mr. Ravi remarked.

People have opposed the imposition of night curfew from tomorrow onwards. State government ought not to push the people to unnecessary trouble, Mr. Ravi said.

Defending the government’s decision Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. K. Sudhakar said that, with no option left, the government has imposed a night curfew to avoid the mass gathering of the public during the new year celebration. “We are not happy to announce night curfew, but it is inevitable for us. If Coronavirus cases increase in the state, it will be difficult for the government to control the same. Thus we have decided to impose stringent rules considering the safety of the people”, he defended.

“Chennai has not imposed any restrictions for new year celebration, but we cannot make the decision based upon our neighbouring state’s situation”, Mr. Sudhakar added.

Night curfew necessary- CM

Night curfew has been imposed in the state in the interest of public health, Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai said speaking to media persons on Monday.

Solatium is being paid to BPL families of those who lost their lives due to Covid in all districts and taluks. A programme in this regard is being held in Bengaluru as well, he said.

Reacting to displeasure among the business community against the night curfew he said, the measure has been taken in the interest of public health. People would have to strictly follow Covid norms at tourist spots.

The BJP State Executive Committee meeting to be held in Hubballi would discuss issues related to party organisation and other developments. The meeting, which is held once every two months,  would take important decisions, he said.

Replying to a question about much-expected cabinet expansion, Mr. Bommai said, it is an internal matter of the party and the party high command would take a call on that. There is good coordination between the party and the administration. The government will come up with more good programmes in the days ahead and seek public mandate in 2023 on the basis of its good work for the people.