Second wave of Covid infections is not a wave, but it’s a Tsunami: Uddhav Thackeray

MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Sunday drew parallels with the Spanish flu and the Covid virus asking people to be cautious claiming that the state could not afford a second wave of Covid infections which could have a debilitating affect on the state’s health infrastructure and economy.

Addressing the state, the Chief Minister said that the second wave of Covid infections could be far worse then the first wave and the infections could rise three to four fold then the current infections. “You are seeing these in western countries like England, Spain and even in Delhi there is a huge spike in infections. The second wave is not a wave but it’s a Tsunami,” said the Chief Minister.

He added, “ I am not trying to frighten you, but look at the Spanish flu that occurred around 100 years back. It took the lives of more than 1 crore people in the country. Now look at the population of the country now and imagine what could happen. Which is why we are not opening up fast, because if we do it recklessly then the next lockdown would be disastrous for the state.”

The Chief Minister said that the people need to be cautious for the next six months. The Chief Minister gave the Delhi example and said the rise in infections in Delhi is probably due to the high level of pollution in Delhi. “ It is being said that the high levels of cases in Delhi is due to the pollution. Which is why I am asking you to avoid firecrackers this year. If the pollution levels go up then it would affect our lungs. There is no cure or vaccine as of yet for this infection, so please avoid bursting fire crackers.” said the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister referred to the BJP without naming them saying, “ For the past few months some Maharashtra haters, have been claiming of a conspiracy against the state, this when we were grappling with the virus, an attempt was being made to show that the state is unsafe, that there are drugs being grown in the fields here. However we dismantled the conspiracy.” said the Chief Minister.

He added, “ In June it self, we have got investment of Rs 17,000 crores, many of them have already been given land in the state. There has been criticism against me that I have sat at home, however I have not sat idle. We have created employment.”

The Chief Minister also slammed the centre saying they have still not got the GST dues it was due and said that there were hurdles being imposed on the development of the city by placing hurdles in the completion of the Metro project.