Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is being praised by many for his tough and timely decision to impose a lockdown and today, to extend it to May 3. 

Earlier, it was the World Health Organisation (WHO) which extolled him profusely for his timely and tough decision. 

Now, TDP president Chandrababu Naidu has lauded the Prime Minister for his effective decision.  

"I told PM Modi, that under his efficient leadership, the right decision was made on the first lockdown. That helped India stand at the forefront of the battle against the virus. Many other countries are facing problems. You are building national consensus in the right spirit. Now testing should be increased and people should be prepared for future struggle, said Naidu.

Also Read: PM Modi extends lockdown till May 3

Earlier in the day, PM Modi, in a televised address, announced his decision to extend the lockdown till May 3 instead of several CMs asking him to extend it till April 30. 

Also Watch: Why May3 and not April 30?

But why May 3 and not April 3?

Well, in simple terms, May 1 is a holiday. May 2 is a Saturday and May 3 is a Sunday. The extension has been given so that the lockdown can be followed till the weekend and if lockdown is called off on May 3, people can start afresh starting May 4, which is a Monday.

Moreover, the extension this time, will be for 19 days as against 21 days earlier. So the total number of days will be 21+19=40 days, thereby making it one long stretch for fighting the virus.

This is the logic behind the date.

But again, we must remember that Modi has taken expert opinions on extending the lockdown and would not have jumped to it without much thought process.

He has ensured that the momentum gained in the last 21 days will continue and is harnessed till the 3 weeks.

Another important aspect to note is that the PM kept on stressing that the next one week would be crucial because he fears that community transmission would take place in the next 7 days and wants to prevent it thoroughly.