BENGALURU: Karnataka’s COVID-19 numbers have been on a stable rise since the onset of the second wave of the coronavirus. As the Karnataka government has imposed night curfew till April 20, the Technical Advisory Committee has been pushing for increased restrictions, including curfew to curb the number of cases.

Now the Karnataka legislators and MPs on Monday unanimously favoured imposing Section I44 - prohibition of unlawful assembly of people instead of enforcing measures like lockdown, partial lockdown or night curfew.

After the meeting convened by the Karnataka Revenue Minister, R. Ashoka who also heads the state disaster management committee, that was also attended by Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa virtually, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee working president, R. Ramalinga Reddy told reporters that they (Congress) were completely opposed to measures like lockdowns and nigh curfew.

"We have suggested that if at all the state government was planning to enforce lockdown, then the state government must take steps to pay at least Rs 25,000 per account in the state, which roughly translates to Rs 15,000 crore. This amount is for the poor people to look after their families," he said.

He added that there was no need for such measures as it would be appropriate to impose Section 144, which will automatically prevent people coming out in groups and restrict people's gathering.

Launching an attack on the Karnataka government, Reddy charged that the meeting convened by the minister, Ashoka was just an eyewash and the outcome of this meeting will have to be waited till Tuesday. "Yediyurappa who attended this meeting virtually has assured us that our concerns will be addressed appropriately during all-party meetings on Tuesday," he said.

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