Bengaluru: In his televised address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged his countrymen not to panic but be more cautious in dealing with the Coronavirus spread. 

Using the concepts of restraint and resolve, the Prime Minister urged the citizens for a self-imposed curfew called the Janata curfew. As part of this exercise, citizens who are not a part of essential services like police, medicine etc would stay at home from 7 am to 9 pm on March 22, this Sunday. 

The same evening at 5pm, the PM has urged the people to express their gratitude those medical staff who have been working tirelessly amid the dangers of the virus to help patients. 

The Prime Minister’s exhortation for such an endeavour has received tremendous response from all quarters. People have understood the importance of such a move and are willing to participate in it. 

Interestingly, the Congress, which opposes all moves made by the Prime Minister, has thrown its weight behind him. 

Three Congress leaders put out tweets, expressing their support for the cause. 

Former finance minister P Chidambaram, in his tweet said, “I am duty bound to support the PM. In effect, the PM has asked the people to wage the war against COVID with moral armaments. We shall do so on Sunday and in the following days.”

 
Next in line was another senior Congress leader Kapil Sibal. In his tweet, he said, “Coronavirus pandemic. Time to unite. At 5pm on 22nd we will clap with our hands. After 5pm and in times to come hold each other’s hand. Time , not to divide people. Instead , to provide for people. Forget the politics of thirst. Let the nation come first.” 


 

Shashi Tharoor, the Congress MP from Thiruvananthapuram too expressed his support. 


He said, “I welcome @PMOIndia @narendramodi‘s call to solidarity at this challenging time. Will support #JanataCurfew while conscious that Sunday is the easiest day to try it. Need more reinforcement of social distancing (incl suspending Parliament) & specific economic relief measures.” 

 

One should remember that such initiatives like Janata curfew are purely apolitical in nature and the PM’s suggestion is completely in consonance with the health of the citizens. 

Surely, Modi has inspired and influenced Congressmen as well.