Trolled, Minister Deletes Tweet Watching Ramayan, Posts New Photo

Union Minister Prakash Javadekar on Saturday shared a photo of him watching the Ramayan on television but soon deleted his tweet and posted a new one that showed him working amid mounting criticism.

National broadcaster Doordarshan on Saturday began a repeat airing of its wildly popular Indian epics Ramayan and Mahabharat amid the 21-day national lockdown because of the coronavirus pandemic. The mythological shows that aired in late 80s and 90s attained cult status, amassing unprecedented viewership.

At 9:41 am, Mr Javadekar, the Union Minister Information and Broadcasting, posted a photo of himself watching the Ramayan on DD National. But faced with an overwhelming stream of criticism stemming from the government's abrupt announcement of the lockdown that has left millions stranded and triggered panic about access to food and basic necessities, he deleted the post.

I am sleeping without food and you hello javadekar same on you pic.twitter.com/To8MVV6myo

— Nishant Jha (@nkjhaoffical) March 28, 2020

Yes sir @PrakashJavdekar , we are watching Ramayana, Lanka lagi hui system ki. pic.twitter.com/Dfbw53uKoK

— Rofl Gandhi 2.0 (@RoflGandhi_) March 28, 2020

1789 : Let them eat Cake. (Marie Antoinette)

2020 : Let them watch Ramayana. (Prakash Javadekar)#Nero pic.twitter.com/c2dOQYSORO

— sam (@sameie1) March 28, 2020

First hunger death. Eleven year old Rahul Musahar.
It's ok @PrakashJavdekar ..
Let's watch Ramayan on TV#DDNational #Ramayana #21daysLockdown #CoronaChainScare pic.twitter.com/1YxK8vbxSf

— Rajeev Jain @gallerygrandeur (@RajeevJ37171644) March 28, 2020

Prakash Javadekar seems to have deleted this tweet.
He must have received an angry call from Modi - "Yaar, I said people must be provided with adequate cereals. CEREALS. Not serials." #Ramayan pic.twitter.com/3WsHeKT2wQ

— Ramesh Srivats (@rameshsrivats) March 28, 2020

The minister later posted a photo of himself working from his home.

Home has become office ! Connecting and coordinating with Officers of my Ministries for facilitation during the lockdown!#StayHomeStaySafe#IndiaFightsCorona #WashYourHands pic.twitter.com/NHM4bInUr5

— Prakash Javadekar (@PrakashJavdekar) March 28, 2020

But the follow up tweet by Mr Javadekar, who also happens to be in-charge of the Ministry for Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises, also angered many.

Coverup. Who are you fooling Mr Javadekar? You are spreading more rayeta by unsuccessfully trying to cover up. https://t.co/odJzUPLms6

— दलित एकता (@invincisachin) March 28, 2020

Hope prakash javadekar ji will get this pic.twitter.com/yTbc1b7tfd

— Rishi (@SunoRishi) March 28, 2020

pic.twitter.com/h1gSet0K6C

— Sri Sri Sri Swami Mobile Babaji (@XyzTweeter) March 28, 2020

The government has faced sharp criticism for its implementation of the lockdown that came two months after the global outbreak of coronavirus but has still led to a major crisis, especially for migrant workers and people who live on daily incomes.

To stop the spread of the highly-contagious COVID-19 disease, the government has banned all activity except essential ones and asked people to stay at home to observe social distancing.

With all public transport stopped, many left without food, shelter and income have been forced to undertake journeys for hundreds of kilometres on foot.

While the government has announced relief measures, it is yet to reach hundreds of thousands who are worst affected.

Broadcasting the Ramayan and Mahabharat have been seen as a way to boost public morale amid the unprecedented crisis.