Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray said that the places of religious worship across the state that were shut since the COVID-19 lockdown will be reopening from Monday, reported PTI.

In a statement on Saturday, Thackeray extended greetings for Diwali and said, “We can’t forget that the demon coronavirus is still amongst us. Even though this demon is slowly falling silent now, we cannot be complacent. Citizens need to follow discipline.”

He added, “Just like discipline and restraint were observed while celebrating Holi, Ganesh Chaturthi,Navratri and Pandharpur wari (annual pilgrimage), followers of other faiths also celebrated festivals like Eid, Mount Mary festival by keeping the COVID-19 safety protocol in mind.”

According to Thackeray, despite the religious places of worship being shut down during the pandemic, god was taking care of all devotees in the form of doctors, nurses and other health staff.

He said that rules and protocols should be strictly followed from Diwali Padwa that falls on Monday. He said, “Crowding will have to avoided. The reopening of religious places is not a government order, but the wish of the Almighty. Shoes will have to kept outside the premises and wearing masks is mandatory. If we follow discipline, we will get God’s blessings.”

ANI quoted Maharashtra minister Jayant Patil saying, “The decision has come at the right time when the number of corona patients is low. The rules will be the same for all the religious places. The use of masks, sanitizers would be mandatory. Social distancing is very important.”

The opposition BJP has been repeatedly targeting him for keeping the places of worship shut even as the ‘Unlock’ process began in June. Thackeray has defended his decision saying it was difficult to follow physical distancing at the places of worship.

During his webcast address to citizens earlier, he had said that standard operating procedures (SOPs) were being prepared and the decision on reopening of these places will be taken after Diwali.

This had led to a standoff between Thackeray and Governor B S Koshyari, who reminded the Shiv Sena president of his Hindutva credentials and asked if he had turned secular.