Quit wasting time playing clown: Rahul tells Modi over coronavirus

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday (March 3) criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the central government’s response to the global coronavirus outbreak, saying he should stop wasting India’s time “playing the clown” with his social media accounts at a time when India is facing an emergency.

His remark came in a tweet on Tuesday along with a video in which Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsein is seen addressing the citizens of his country over the epidemic. Referring to the video, Gandhi advised Modi, “Here’s how it’s done”.

Dear @PMOIndia,

Quit wasting India's time playing the clown with your social media accounts, when India is facing an emergency. Focus the attention of every Indian on taking on the Corona virus challenge.

Here's how it's done..#coronavirusindia pic.twitter.com/jLZG5ISjwt

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 3, 2020

“Dear @PMOIndia, Quit wasting India’s time playing the clown with your social media accounts, when India is facing an emergency. Focus the attention of every Indian on taking on the Corona virus challenge. Here’s how it’s done… #coronavirusindia,” the tweet read.

Gandhi was referring to the tweet Modi made earlier in the day, saying he would hand over his social media accounts for a day on International Women’s Day on March 8 to promote stories about inspirational women.

This Women's Day, I will give away my social media accounts to women whose life & work inspire us. This will help them ignite motivation in millions.

Are you such a woman or do you know such inspiring women? Share such stories using #SheInspiresUs. pic.twitter.com/CnuvmFAKEu

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2020

A day earlier, Modi had tweeted a teaser, saying he is mulling giving up his social media accounts, triggering intense speculations and reactions.

The prime minister also tweeted about the coronavirus outbreak on Tuesday and said there is no need to panic. “We need to work together, take small yet important measures to ensure self-protection,” he said.

There is no need to panic. We need to work together, take small yet important measures to ensure self-protection. pic.twitter.com/sRRPQlMdtr

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) March 3, 2020

“Had an extensive review regarding preparedness on the COVID-19 Novel Coronavirus. Different ministries & states are working together, from screening people arriving in India to providing prompt medical attention,” he added.

Earlier in the day, Gandhi raised concerns over the detection of fresh coronavirus cases in the country and said a “true leader” would be completely focused on averting the massive crisis about to be unleashed by the virus on the country and its economy.

“There are moments in the life of every nation when its leaders are tested. A true leader would be completely focused on averting the massive crisis about to be unleashed by the virus on India and its economy,” Gandhi tweeted.

His statement came after two confirmed cases of the epidemic were reported on Monday, including one from the national capital. Earlier, three positive cases of COVID-19 were reported from Kerala, but the three persons were later discharged following recovery.

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