Bengaluru: Prime Minister’s call to the nation to stand in balconies and light a lamp on April 5 at 9 pm from 8 minutes has the nation on debate. 

Also Read: PM calls for 'light-diya' call

Some are firmly backing the PM while some others are saying it is not needed. While the discussions go on, there seems to be a rift in the NCP. 

NCP MLA Rohit Pawar threw his weight behind the PM, saying it was aimed at bringing the country together. 
NCP MLA Rohit Pawar said Modi''s message was aimed at bringing the country together in the fight against coronavirus. Rohit Pawar is the grandnephew of NCP chief Sharad Pawar. 

He said, “Prime minister @narendramodi ji is aiming to bring the country together through lights & if so, we should welcome this thought. Likewise, as a citizen of this country I urge you to place the flag of our country as a DP of your social media accounts for a message of solidarity.” 

It must also be recalled that housing minister Jitendra Ahwad in the Maharashtra government openly dissented against Modi’s decision and brazenly said he would not be following Modi’s call. 

Also Read: Jitendra Ahwad defies Modi's call

Earlier today, in his video message, PM Modi urged his countrymen to light a diya or torch or mobile light for 9 minutes at 9 pm as mark of unity during this hour of crisis. 

More than 40 top sportspersons from across disciplines including Tendulkar, Kohli, BCCI president Sourav Ganguly, women's hockey team captain Rani Rampal, ace badminton player Sindhu, Kabaddi player and DSP in Himanchal Pradesh Police Ajay Thakur, sprinter Hima Das, para athlete high jumper Sharad Kumar, top tennis player Ankita Raina, former cricketer Yuvraj Singh participated in the video conference held by Prime Minister Narendra Modi after  his announcement. Union minister for youth affairs and sports Kiren Rijiju and other senior officials of the ministry also participated in the interaction.