In view of the announcement of a nationwide lockdown till April 14 and the subsequent rush for buying essential commodities, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray made two webcasts — one late Tuesday night and another one on Wednesday — to assure people that essential commodities would not go out of the market and the state government would make all arrangements to ensure availability.

Given the public unrest after the PM's address to the nation, he once again said that supplies were in stock. "We have sufficient food stock. The essential and emergency services are available. Shops, clinics, vet shops, milk centres, vegetable stalls, fruits are available. We haven't stopped the transportation of farm products and medicine. So, please don't panic," he said. Thackeray said no problems would be created for farmers. "I know you (farmers) are harvesting or preparing for the next season and I also know that if you are not allowed to do so, then, we would face yet another big problem," he said.