“Use mask to beat Covid as Shivaji Maharaj used sword to defeat enemies”

PUNE: Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray appealed to citizens to take inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and use mask as a shield to fight against Covid-19 pandemic

PUNE: Chief minister Uddhav Thackeray appealed to citizens to take inspiration from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and use mask as a shield to fight against Covid-19 pandemic.

Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray speaking at a function organised to celebrate the birth anniversary of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Shivneri fort in Pune, on Friday. Also seen are deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar (second left) and state tourism minister Aaditya Thackeray (left). (HT PHOTO)

The chief minister and his deputy, Ajit Pawar, attended the birth anniversary celebrations of Shivaji Maharaj at the Shivneri fort on Friday morning. Against the background of Covid-19 pandemic, the event was attended by few people as per the virus safety protocol.

Thackeray said, “Shivaji Maharaj used a sword and shield while facing the enemies. He defeated the enemies. Now our enemy is the Covid-19 pandemic. We need to use the face mask as the shield to overcome the novel coronavirus.”

Pawar said, “The Maharashtra government has taken a decision to protect and conserve forts. As finance minister, I would ensure that there would be no shortage of funds for projects related to conservation of the Shivneri fort.”

The deputy chief minister said that as cases of Covid-19 are rising again, citizens need to strictly follow the government guidelines and use masks, maintain social distancing and wash hands repeatedly.