May 24, 2020 – Addressing his people of the state,  Maharashtra CM and Shiv Sena’s head Uddhav Thackeray said that lockdown cannot be lifted by May 31 and need ‘time to prepare to resume domestic flights in the state’.

Thackeray in his statement added that the state is anticipating more coronavirus cases in the coming days, which is reeling with the latest count of 47,190.

“ I had a word with Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri. I totally understand the need of opening domestic air network but we need time to prepare,’’ Uddhav Thackeray said during the live address.

CM further added, ‘’ The next 15 days would be crucial for the state, a lot of movement is expected. Things will open up slowly and gradually as we are not in a state of lifting lockdown now. We can’t say that lockdown will be over by May 31. Also, we need to be extra cautious during the monsoon.’’

Thackeray’s expression of unwillingness is coming at a time when Centre, earlier this week, announced the resumption of domestic flight across the country. 

West Bengal and Tamil Nadu also expressed their unwillingness to go with the Centre’s plan, the home of two busiest airports in India, Kolkata, and Chennai respectively.

Mr. Thackeray indicated the lifting of lockdown will be executed in phases in his state post-May 31.