On Friday morning, in a short video message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation and asked the citizens to turn off the lights for 9 minutes on Sunday. P Chidambaram has come out in strong criticism against the move.
While Prime Minister Modi asked the people to clap for five minutes in appreciation of doctors on the day of Janata Curfew, he has once again given a task for the coming Sunday. He asked the citizens to turn off their lights at 9 pm and also to light candles, torch or mobile flashlights for 9 minutes straight as a mark of solidarity. As soon as the Prime Minister’s video was aired, the social media erupted with memes but former Finance Minister and Congress leader P Chidambaram have put out a tweet criticizing the Prime Minister.
Listen to the Experts, says Chidambaram
In his tweet, P Chidambaram said that the symbolism in the message is important but equal measures to fight the problem on the ground should be taken. Yesterday, Chidambaram had tweeted saying he is waiting for the PM’s address and expecting the PM to announce financial packages that will fill the gap and ease the livelihood of the people.
In a series of tweets, Chidambaram acknowledged the move to symbolize solidarity and said he will do as per Prime Minister’s wish but also asked the Prime Minister to listen to the epidemiologists and economists. He also expressed disappointment as no packages were announced for the poor who were ignored by the Finance Minister in her address on the 25th of March. He further said, from big businesses to daily wage workers, everyone is looking at the government to address the economic slide and take the necessary measures.
Dear @narendramodi,
We will listen to you and light diyas on April 5. But, in return, please listen to us and to the wise counsel of epidemiologists and economists.— P. Chidambaram (@PChidambaram_IN) April 3, 2020
While India took 8 weeks to reach the first 1,000 cases, it has only taken 4 days to reach to the next thousand. The largest spike was witnessed in the state of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra as Kerala’s graph steadies. The death toll in India has crossed 50. The largest cluster discovered as of now is the Tablighi Jamaat Congregation that took place between March 13 and 15.
