COVID-19 | 'Won't Light A Candle': Adhir Ranjan On PM Modi's Call For Showing Solidarity Against Coronavirus On April 5

Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal to switch off all the lights and light up candle or a ‘diya’ or moblie’s flashlight in a show of solidarity against COVID-19 on April 5, Congress’ leader in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said there is no relation between turning off lights and burning candles with the fight against coronavirus. “I believe it and that's why I'll not light candle or turn off light but continue to fight COVID-19”, Chowdhury added.

The Congress leader added that he will not light a ‘diya’ saying, “I'll be called anti-national, but I'm ready.”

There is no relation between turning off lights&burning candles,with fight against #COVID19. I believe it&that's why I'll not light candle or turn off light but continue to fight #COVID19. If I'll not light candle I'll be called anti-national,but I'm ready:AR Chowdhury, Congress pic.twitter.com/ArAdhnNDUY

— ANI (@ANI) April 3, 2020

Terming PM Modi as ‘Pradhan Shoman’ for his address on Friday, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor also took a dig at PM Modi's video message saying that his address had “nothing about how to ease people’s pain, their burdens, their financial anxieties.” “No vision of the future or sharing the issues he is weighing in deciding about the post-lockdown”, Tharoor added.

Listened to the Pradhan Showman. Nothing about how to ease people’s pain, their burdens, their financial anxieties. No vision of the future or sharing the issues he is weighing in deciding about the post-lockdown. Just a feel-good moment curated by India’s Photo-Op PrimeMinister!

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) April 3, 2020

Earlier on Friday, PM Modi in a video message urged the countrymen to switch off all the lights of their house on Sunday (April 5) at 9 PM for 9 minutes, and just light a candle, 'diya', or mobile's flashlight, to mark India’s fight against coronavirus pandemic.

Also Read: PM Modi's #9Baje9Minute Appeal For Lighting A Diya Sparks Memefest On Twitter! Thank Us Later!

The Prime Minister in his 11-minute video message also thanked the people for following lockdown and abiding by the rules. He said that the unity shown by people against COVID-19 is exemplary.

"The lockdown has completed nine days today. During this time, the way you have followed the guidelines is exemplary. The way you thanked the health workers on March 22 during Janata curfew has become an example worldwide. Many are following this across the globe," PM Modi added.