IMPORTANT: PM Modi to interact with CMs on Saturday; Covid lockdown extension on agenda

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will interact with chief ministers of all states on Saturday via video, where a call would be taken on wher 21-day lockdown to check spread of coronavirus, ending next week, should be extended. video conference comes amidst indications that central government may extend lockdown across country beyond April 14 after several states have favoured extension to contain fast-spreading virus.

Addressing floor leaders of various parties who have representation in Parliament, on Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi had made it clear that lockdown cant be lifted in one go on April 14, asserting that priority of his government is to "save each and every life".

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According to an official statement, he said states, district administrations and experts have suggested extension of lockdown to contain spread of virus. Odisha has taken a lead and has extended lockdown till April 30. "Prime Minister Modi made it clear that lockdown is t being lifted and also that life pre-corona and post-corona will t be same," Biju Janata Dal leader Pinaki Misra had told PTI after Wednesday's interaction.

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This is for second time prime minister will interact with chief ministers via video link after lockdown was imposed. During his April 2 interaction with chief ministers, Modi had pitched for a "staggered" exit from ongoing lockdown. Before lockdown was anunced on March 24, prime minister had interacted with chief ministers on March 20 to discuss means to check spread of deadly virus.

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According to a Health Ministry update this morning, death toll due to COVID-19 has risen to 199 in India. total number of coronavirus positive cases have climbed to 6,412. 

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