Modi caution but silence on rallies

This is not the time to be careless. Don’t think the danger is over and corona is gone,” Modi added, citing the examples of developed countries and those badly hit by the pandemic and highlighting how India had fared better than them

PTI  |   New Delhi   |   21.10.20 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged people to follow Covid-related precautions during the festive season and not let their guard down, warning of a resurgence at a time his own party leaders have flagrantly violated precautionary measures on the campaign trail.

Modi sounded the caution in a 15-minute address to the nation at 6pm during which he hailed his government’s achievements in stabilising the pandemic crisis. Through the day, however, “Boycott Modi Bhashan” trended on Twitter with users highlighting his government’s failures and accusing him of making false promises.

“In this festival season, brightness is returning to the markets. But we should remember that the lockdown may be over but the virus has not gone yet,” the Prime Minister said.

“This is not the time to be careless. Don’t think the danger is over and corona is gone,” Modi added, citing the examples of developed countries and those badly hit by the pandemic and highlighting how India had fared better than them.

The Prime Minister warned against actions that could cause a deterioration. He said the Covid recovery rate had improved and the markets were returning to normal owing to the festive season.

He warned people against any laxity before a vaccine is found.

Cautioning people who have stopped taking precautions of late, Modi said, according to a translation of his speech uploaded on his official website: “If you are negligent and are going out without a mask, you are exposing yourself, your family, your children, the elderly to the same amount of risk.”

“Festivals are a time for joy and celebrations. At the same time we are coming out of a tough time and carelessness could render our fight useless,” the Prime Minister added.

He, however, did not mention the political campaigns of BJP leaders where pandemic precautions are being violated at will.

On Monday, leaders jostled outside Bagdogra airport to welcome BJP president J.P. Nadda. Many of them were not even wearing masks.

In poll-bound Bihar, BJP leaders, as also leaders of other parties, have been addressing public rallies where masks are being shunned and physical-distancing norms flouted.

In the latest unlock guidelines, the government has not specified any attendance limits for public gatherings in the open, with many viewing this as being aimed at the Bihar elections.

During his address, Modi did refer to some recent videos where “we have seen that people are not careful anymore. This isn’t right.”

Modi is scheduled to campaign extensively in Bihar, addressing a dozen rallies beginning Friday.