Mamata Banerjee won't allow Centre's inter-ministerial team for COVID ‘hotspots' in Bengal

Opposing Centre's intervention in West Bengal's Coronavirus (COVID-19) battle, CM Mamata Banerjee, on Monday, has t permitted Centre's inter-ministerial central (IMC) team deployed to several districts in India to function in West Bengal. She claimed that till PM Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah share criterion for such an intervention, she will t comply as this goes again federalism. West Bengal has reported 339 COVID-19 cases and 12 deaths.

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Mamata Banerjee opposes IMC team intervention

MHA writes 3rd letter to West Bengal Chief Secretary regarding Covid lockdown violation

MHA sets up IMC team

Earlier in day, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has set up six inter-ministerial central teams to assess lockdown violations and implementations in West Bengal, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. “Situation especially serious in Indore (MP); Mumbai & Pune (Maharashtra); Jaipur (Rajasthan); and Kolkata, Howrah, Medinipur East, 24 Parganas rth, Darjeeling, Kalimpong & Jalpaiguri (West Bengal),” home ministry spokesperson said. team will on-spot assessment of situation, issue necessary directions and submit ir report to Central Government.

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Bengal and lockdown violations

state has seen several lockdown violations for past two weeks - tably in Murshidabad and Hooghly were several people gared at a mosque to offer Friday prayers. Though police had dispersed crowd immediately, CM Mamata Banerjee has taken cognizance of repeated violations in that district and has directed Murshidabad DIG to stop such garings. MHA too has written to Banerjee highlighting that lockdown guidelines were being violated in several parts of state, stating that West Bengal government had allowed more exemptions leading to a gradual dilution of lockdown.

Coronavirus Live Updates: Cases at 17265; states deny easing of lockdown till May 3