After PM Modi called for complete lockdown in the country amid the coronavirus outbreak, actor-comedian Vir Das appreciated Modi’s move. But he was critical of Modi’s speech which did not reveal anything about supply of essentials and thereby triggered panic buying on Tuesday. While he praised Modi’s bold decision, Vir Das said the blame for triggering a panic reaction falls on Modi’s speech writer.
“This is a brave bold decision and I support and applaud our PM. Not his speech writer. The fact that people are panicking in response to a speech, means it didn't go as planned. This is the second time that's happened. Make the speeches clear and detailed,”Vir Das tweeted on Tuesday.
A few other users also supported Das and said the speech writer had failed to convey all the key points to the public. After Modi’s announcement of complete lockdown, filmmaker Anubhav Sinha also tweeted on the ambiguity surrounding supply of essential goods. He tweeted: “PS- Sorry I missed a small point... The essential goods and services….” Anurag Kashyap, who has been a vocal critic of Modi, called out the PM’s 8pm timing to declare a huge decision. “He always speaks at 8pm and gives the time of 4 hours. What about those who began on foot for their homes?, he tweeted.
Days after Modi called for Janta curfew on Sunday, he announced 21-day-long total lockdown across the country to contain the outbreak. All public transport have been banned while any kind of non-essential movement outside the house has also been prohibited. Hospitals, nursing homes, police, fire stations, and ATMs will continue to work, the MHA guidelines stated. Banks, insurance offices, print and electronic media too will continue to work. Meanwhile, according to Railway officials, suspension of Railway services will be extended till April 14.
According to the government order, making false alarm during the lockdown may result in imprisonment up to one year. The lockdown guidelines stipulate that not more than 20 people are permitted during funerals. The total number of cases in India crossed 560 with 11 deaths.