No lockdown being planned in India, rumours ‘completely false’: Hardeep Singh Puri

The Centre has firmly dismissed rumours of a possible nationwide lockdown, with Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri stating that such claims are “completely false” and that no proposal is under consideration.

Addressing the speculation, Puri urged citizens to remain calm and not fall prey to misinformation circulating on social media and other platforms. The clarification comes amid rising anxiety triggered by global developments, particularly the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its perceived impact on fuel supplies.

The rumours had gained traction over the past few days, leading to confusion among the public and, in some places, panic behaviour such as crowding at petrol pumps. Authorities stepped in to counter the claims and prevent unnecessary disruption.

The government reiterated that there is no plan to impose any lockdown, emphasising that essential services, including fuel supply and transportation, are functioning normally across the country. Officials also highlighted that India’s energy supply remains stable despite global uncertainties.

Puri’s statement aligns with broader government efforts to curb misinformation during a sensitive period. He stressed the importance of responsible communication and asked people to rely only on official sources for updates.

The clarification also comes at a time when the word “lockdown” began trending online, driven largely by unverified reports and speculation. Officials warned that such rumours can create unnecessary panic and strain supply systems even when there is no real shortage.

Government sources have underlined that India is well-prepared to manage any external disruptions, particularly in the energy sector, and there is no need for panic buying or hoarding of fuel or essential commodities.

With no lockdown under consideration, the government has called on citizens to remain vigilant against misinformation and avoid contributing to the spread of unverified claims.