COVID-19 war can't be won by clapping, lighting lamps: Sena

Mumbai, Apr 7 () The Shiv Sena on Tuesday said thewar against coronavirus cannot be won by clapping, clanging ofplates or lighting of lamps.

People "misconstrued" Prime Minister Narendra Modi'sappeal, an editorial in Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' said, addingthat Modi should clearly spell out what it expected fromcitizens and those not obeying orders should be punished.

Modi last week appealed to people to defeat thecoronavirus by switching off lights in their homes for nineminutes at 9 pm on Sunday amid the nationwide lockdown.

People across the country enthusiastically respondedby lighting candles and diyas, and flashing lights of theirmobile phones in balconies and in front of their houses.

Modi earlier urged people to observe 'Janta Curfew'on March 22, and come out briefly at their main doors and inbalconies to show gratitude to health and other essentialservice providers, who at the forefront of the battle againstcoronavirus, with claps, sounds of bells and conches.

Taking a dim view of Modi's appeals, the Shiv Senasaid, "Claps, thalis and lights...like this we will lose thewar. There are many aspects to how people responded to theseappeals. Citizens misconstrued the prime minister'sappeal...either the PM cannot communicate with citizens or hehimself wants such a festive atmosphere."

It said Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackerayhas been urging people to maintain self-discipline, andcommunicating with them while ensuring there is no confusion.

"In the fight against coronavirus, you need such acommander. We lost the Panipat battle because of rumours andlack of planning. The war against coronavirus should not endup like that and people of the state shouldn't meet the fateof Sadashivrao bhau (Marathaarmy commander in Panipatbattle)," the Marathi daily said.

It said the prime minister should clearly tell peoplewhat is expected from them.

"Those who don't obey should be punished. It is notthat only Markaz (referring to Tablighi Jamaat's congregationin Delhi last month) breaks rules. Are those blaming theMarkaz for the coronavirus spread themselves maintainingdiscipline and social distancing?" it asked.

The Sena cricitised incidents of people coming out onstreets with candles, torches and mobile phones and dancing,and said due to bursting of crackers there was a fire incidentin Solapur.

In Wardha, BJP MLA Dadarao Keche celebrated hisbirthday (during the lockdown) and more than 200 peoplegathered for the party, it noted.

The Sena also pointed out similar incidents in otherparts of the country, including that of a BJP women's wingleader at Balrampur in Uttar Pradesh firing in the air to'chase away' the coronavirus. MRGK GK