The MVA government is "threatening" the people of Maharashtra over the novel coronavirus and putting restrictions on citizens is making them panicky, MNS chief Raj Thackeray said on Wednesday. Talking to reporters here, he said government teams should first check mortality rate of the viral infection. Imposing restrictions is creating panic among citizens, Thackeray said. "The mortality rate due to reasons other than the coronavirus is much more in our country. No doubt, we should take care.

"But the government is threatening people over the coronavirus issue," he said. "How many (confirmed) patients have been found in our state that we are imposing restrictions in Maharashtra. Shiv Jayanti will be celebrated in the state (on March 12)," the MNS leader said. Till now, Maharashtra has reported 11 positive cases of the viral infection. "Civic elections in Aurangabad are going to take place in a month. Will government agencies postpone these elections due to the coronavirus," Thackeray questioned.