Rupani's statement came a day after the BJP governmentallowed standalone shops, except those located in containmentzones, malls and shopping complexes, to remain open.
However, it said on Sunday that no shops, apart fromthose dealing with essential items, will be allowed to opentill May 3 during the coronavirus-induced lockdown inAhmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot cities.
In a video message to the public, Rupani said someelements were construing his government's decision to allowshops to remain open as its effort for the convenience of theMuslim community during the ongoing month of Ramzan.
"People ask that you are giving relaxations for theconvenience of the Muslim community during the Ramzan month.By doing so, some elements are playing politics and usingpropaganda to weaken fight against coronavirus. But they willnot succeed.
"Our aim is to ensure the safety of 6.5 croreGujaratis and to make sure they come out of the coronaviruscrisis. We do not discriminate between Hindus, Muslims, Sikhsand Christians. We are fighting for all 6.5 crore Gujaratis,"Rupani said.
The CM's statement came amidst messages on socialmedia saying that though the state government did not allowany relaxations in lockdown norms during Hindu festivals ofRamnavmi and Chitra Navratri, it is making exceptions duringRamzan.
"Such allegations are baseless, especially as most ofthe containment zones are located in the Muslim majoritylocalities. As per the Central guidelines, no shops areallowed to remain open in the containment zones," he said.
Only shops that are not located in containment zones,malls and shopping complexes were allowed to open as per thestate government's order issued on Saturday.
On the government's directives on Sunday, Rupani saidthe administration was equally concerned about small shopowners and the rising number of coronavirus cases.
"The Central government came out with a notificationfor small businesses to start their shops. We said the Gujaratgovernment will follow the Centre's guidelines. We receivedphone calls from traders saying there is no need to hurry.
"The Central government then came out with an amendednotification saying state governments can make changes as perthe ground situation, so we decided not to relax lockdown infour cities. We will wait for another six days in these fourcities," he said.
The CM said the COVID-19 recovery rate in Gujarat is60 per cent.
"Any patient will have to undergo treatment for 14-15days before they can be discharged from hospitals aftertesting negative for COIVD-19 twice," the CM said, adding that282 people who recovered up to Saturday had undergonetreatment for 15 days.
There were 468 people admitted till April 11, out ofwho 282 were discharged, which means we have a 60 per centrecovery rate, he said.
Speaking about the high mortality rate, Rupani said 80per cent of such patients suffered from comorbidities such asheart or lung diseases, diabetes, Cancer, TB etc.
"Out of 133 death till yesterday, 80 per centsuffered from comorbidities. Their immunity is alreadyweakened," he said. KA PDNSK NSK