Puducherry has been placed under President's rule days after the Congress-led government collapsed following multiple resignations. The BJP and its allies did not stake claim to form government in the union territory, where polls are due in three months. Since nobody has staked claim form the government, the Lieutenant Governor has recommended suspending the assembly and imposition of President's rule," Union Minister Prakash Javadekar said. The V Narayanasamy government lost its majority in the 26-member assembly after six resignations. Five Congress and one DMK MLA had quit in quick succession over the past few weeks. Two of the MLAs who quit Congress have switched to the BJP and more are expected to follow.
TN extends lockdown till March 31
Tamil Nadu has extended existing coronavirus-related restrictions till March 31, meaning offices, shops, and industrial and commercial establishments will continue with staggered working hours.
Authorities have been directed to crack down on violations of these or any other Covid-related protocols. Police and municipal authorities have been further directed to ensure that measures in containment zones - which will now be demarcated at micro-levels - are strictly followed. These include the use of face masks in public and maintaining social distancing. The state government has cautioned people over 65, those with co-morbidities, those who are pregnant, and children under the age of 10 to take all necessary and required precautions.
