Three-month plan needed to deal with COVID-19 crisis, immediate relief unlikely: Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata: An early relief from the COVID- 19 crisis is unlikely, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Tuesday, and underscored the need for a three-month plan to deal with the situation.

Banerjee also claimed that people were facing problems since the imposition of the lockdown on March 25 as the move was "poorly planned".

"Don't think we will get relief from the COVID-19 crisis anytime soon. We should have a three-month short term plan in place to tackle the situation," she said after a review meeting with state officials.

Talking about her interaction with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his video conference with chief ministers on Monday, Banerjee said Bengal gained nothing from the meeting and was left "empty-handed".

The Centre is yet to clear the "legitimate financial dues" of the state, she claimed.

"I have raised several issues during the meeting with PM. But I must say we always return empty-handed after our meetings with PM. We are yet to get our dues," the chief minister said.

Banerjee also said areas under red zones will soon be given more relaxations.

"The red zones would be further divided into three categories. Steps would also be taken to restart the 100-day work scheme in the non-containment areas," she said.

Referring to the communal clashes that broke out in Hooghly district last week, Banerjee said action will be taken against those found guilty.

"Stern action will be taken against those involved in communal clashes amid the lockdown. No one will be spared if found guilty," she added.