Bhatkal: As Karnataka continues to battle the second wave of Covid-19, Revenue Minister R Ashoka on Tuesday batted for the extension of the statewide lockdown, aimed at controlling the spread of the virus.

Speaking to reporters here at Bhatkal, he pointed to long lockdowns implemented in states like Maharashtra, Kerala and Delhi among others which witnessed the second wave ahead of Karnataka, and said they are a model for us as the number of cases have been coming down.

The state is currently under complete lockdown till May 24. The government headed by Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa will take a final call, as the current lockdown nears its end, he added.