Imposing total lockdown is inevitable, says CM Yediyurappa

Speaking to reporters after visiting the Annamma Devi temple in Bengaluru's Gandhinagar, he said that 'Janata Curfew' currently in force was not being followed strictly. "That's why lockdown might become inevitable."

The government has lined up meetings to take stock of the Covid-19 situation. "We will take a final call on what the additional measures should be after discussions," he added.

If people don't want such measures, then they should wear masks, maintain social distance and cooperate with the government to contain the pandemic. Taking stringent measures are inevitable and will be enforced."

Commenting on the controversy following Lok Sabha member Tejasvi Surya's expose of bed blocking scam, Yediyurappa congratulated him on behalf of the government for bringing the irregularities to light.

"Tejasvi Surya, with great difficulty, took a risk to expose the bed blocking scam and brought it to the notice of the state government. I spoke to him for an hour at Vidhana Soudha and have taken strict measures to prevent bed blocking," he said.

Yediyurappa lashed out at Chamrajpet MLA Zameer Ahmed Khan, saying that it appeared as if the Congress leader thought that exposing the scam was a crime. "The MP has exposed only what was happening. People like Zameer should stop talking lightly about him now."

"I am not saying it's wrong on their part to express their pain. It is true they have problems and we are taking measures. There's no need to come to my house or Vidhana Soudha. Immediately after officials are sounded off, they are trying everything to help people get a bed. We are pro-people," he said.

The clamour for a complete lockdown is growing with BJP leaders themselves favouring stringent measures to curb the movement of people.