Separate Meeting To Be Held With Chief Secretaries Of Poll-Bound States

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a high-level virtual meeting with Chief Ministers of several states to review preparedness in light of the ongoing West Asia conflict.

The meeting aimed to ensure coordinated action between the Centre and states as global tensions continue to rise.

This is the first such interaction between the Prime Minister and state leaders specifically focused on the impact of the conflict that began on February 28.

Focus on Coordination and Preparedness

According to official sources, the meeting was held to strengthen cooperation under the spirit of "Team India." The Prime Minister reviewed the readiness of states to deal with any possible effects of the conflict, including economic disruptions, supply challenges, and security concerns.

The discussion highlighted the importance of close coordination between the Centre and state governments to manage emerging risks effectively.

Key Leaders Participate in Meeting

Several Chief Ministers joined the virtual interaction, including N Chandrababu Naidu, Yogi Adityanath, Revanth Reddy, Bhagwant Mann, Bhupendra Patel, Omar Abdullah, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, and Pema Khandu, among others.

Union ministers, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah, were also present.

Poll-Bound States Not Part of Meeting

Chief Ministers from election-bound states such as Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry did not participate due to the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct.

Officials said a separate meeting will be organised by the Cabinet Secretariat with the Chief Secretaries of these states to ensure continued coordination.

Government's Ongoing Efforts

The Centre has already held discussions with political parties on the issue. An all-party meeting was convened earlier this week to brief leaders on the situation and outline the steps being taken.

In Parliament, the Prime Minister had warned that the global challenges arising from the conflict could continue for a long time and urged the country to remain prepared and united.

Security and Vigilance Emphasised

Highlighting the internal security aspect, the Prime Minister said all agencies have been placed on alert. He noted that security is being strengthened across multiple areas, including coastal, border, cyber, and strategic installations.

He also cautioned against misinformation, hoarding, and black-marketing, urging both authorities and citizens to remain vigilant.

Call for Unity and Collective Action

The Prime Minister stressed that India's strength lies in unity and collective effort. Drawing a parallel with the COVID-19 pandemic, he said the country can overcome any challenge when governments and citizens work together.

He also noted that India has faced multiple challenges in recent years but has continued to move forward with confidence through coordinated action.