Should there be a strict lockdown this time? Or, shouldn't there be one? On Tuesday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman ruled out a strict lockdown in the wake of the second wave. She said that the virus has to be fought through local containment measures.

Recently, at a conference with some Chief Ministers, Narendra Modi, too, is reported to have held a similar view. As far as the Centre is concerned, it will not be forcing any lockdown. However, the Prime Minister seems to be in favour of night curfews to nudge the behaviour of people, just so that it reminds them of the existence of virus around them.

The political class, by and large, is not united. While some CMs, especially those belonging to the BJP, are not in favour of a total lockdown or curfew, Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray has almost announced a lockdown in his State. Night curfews and weekend curfews are there in force in parts of the country.

While some experts believe that a lockdown is essential, with even a court or two saying that cities have to be shut down for 2-3 weeks, Dr NK Arora, the Chairman of COVID sub-committee, National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation, has advised otherwise. He said that we have to impose restrictions/lockdown in small areas, but not a nationwide lockdown.