Coronavirus | Mahabharat Was Won In 18 days, We Will Win War Against COVID-19 In 21 days: PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday assured citizens of India that the war against deadly coronavirus would be won in the next 21 days if everyone follows the rule of social distancing. “Mahabharat war was won in 18 days, this war the whole country is fighting against COVID-19 will take 21 days. Our aim is to win this war in 21 days,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said while interacting with people of his constituency via video conferencing. This was his first public engagement after the announcement of a countrywide lockdown on Tuesday.

The prime minister said that he wanted to be with the people of Varanasi in such times but things in Delhi are keeping him busy. “As the MP of Varanasi, I should have been among you in times like these. But you know the things which are going on in Delhi. Despite being busy here, I've been taking regular updates about Varanasi from my colleagues,” he said.

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He also requested people not to pay attention to rumours and follow instructions to keep themselves safe. “At times, people don't pay attention to things which are important. The same is happening in India. I request people to understand facts and not believe in rumours,” he said and added that COVID-19 doesn't discriminate between rich and poor. “It will not spare anyone just because they perform yoga or exercise daily,” he said.

PM Modi said he was very pained by the misbehaviour of some people against doctors, airlines crew and staff of essential services who are at the forefront of combating coronavirus.

“I appeal to all the citizens, if you notice any incident where professionals, such as doctors and nurses, are ill-treated then you should take an initiative to make such people (those who are ill-treating healthcare professionals) understand that they are wrong,” he said.

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“I have told Home Ministry and DGPs to take strict action against those who are not supporting or not co-operating with doctors, nurses and other professionals who are serving us in this critical time,” PM Modi said.