"Hope They Don't Burn Homes": Shiv Sena MP On PM's 'Diya' Appeal Over COVID-19

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Friday took a sharp jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his appeal to the nation to hold candles, lamps and mobile flashlights on Sunday in a show of solidarity amid the coronavirus crisis, and said hope "they" don't burn down their own homes.

"When people were asked to clap, they crowded the roads and beat drums, I just hope now they don't burn down their own houses. Sir 'diya to jalalenge' but please tell us what the government is doing to improve the condition," he tweeted.

When people were asked to clap , they crowded the roads and beat drums , I just hope now they don't burn down their own houses , sir 'diya to jalalenge ' but please tell us what the government is doing to improve condition

— Sanjay Raut (@rautsanjay61) April 3, 2020

Last month PM Modi had asked the masses to come out in their balconies and porches, clapping and beating utensils, to show respect to the health workers fighting the disease. He had also urged people to refrain from stepping out of their homes and maintain social distance to check the spread of the virus.

As millions answered PM's call, social media videos showed people at several places across the nation roaming in the streets in large groups; thus, defeating the purpose of the one-day voluntary lockdown.

Two days after the "Janata Curfew", PM Modi announced a nationwide complete shutdown, and said social distancing was the only option against the disease.

PM Modi today urged people across India to switch off their lights and hold candles, lamps and mobile flashlights at 9 pm on Sunday, April 5, for 9 minutes. The Prime Minister asserted that no one must endanger the battle against the highly contagious virus by gathering on roads.

"On April 5, Sunday, at 9 pm, I want 9 minutes from all of you. Turn off all the lights in your homes, stand at your doors or balconies and light candles, diya (lamp) or mobile flashlights for 9 minutes," PM Modi said in a video message this morning.

"We must all together, challenge the darkness spread by the coronavirus crisis, introducing it to the power of light. No one is alone during the lockdown; the collective superpower of 130 crore Indians is with every citizen."

2301 cases of coronavirus have been detected in India, with 56 deaths.