‘Get Real’, ‘Pradhan Showman’: How Oppn Reacted To PM’s Message Amid COVID-19

NEW DELHI: Reacting to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's video message on Friday, many senior leaders from Congress hit out at him with Shashi Tharoor calling it 'just a feel-good moment' while P Chidambaram saying "symbolism" is an important but serious thought to ideas and measures is equally important.

In a video message of over 11 minutes Friday morning, Modi urged people to switch off the lights at their homes and light up lamps, candles or mobile phone torches for nine minutes at 9 pm on April 5 to display the country's "collective resolve" to defeat coronavirus. He said that 'Janata Curfew' on March 22 was emulated by other countries as well.

Tharoor launched a scathing attack on the PM over the video message, calling him "Pradhan Showman" and also pointed out that the timings of the April 5 was related to the auspicious elements of Hinduism.

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram also criticised Modi's video message, saying "symbolism" is important but serious thought to ideas and measures is equally important.

Congress leader Kapil Sibal tasked to light the light of reason and not superstition.

Congress spokesperson and senior leader Abhishek Singhvi said, "I wish NaMo stops giving the people of India unnecessary homework & starts actively addressing the huge migrant labour crisis that has emerged in the wake of the COVID-19 lockdown."

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra asked Modi to “get real” and to provide a fiscal package to protect poor workers. She also said the Prime Minister must stop gagging press freedom.

Also Read: Modi Boosts Citizen Morale Amid Lockdown21, Tasks Them To Light It Up On Sunday