‘Rich or Poor, COVID-19 Won’t Spare Anyone’: PM Speaks to Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on WWednesday, 25 March, interacted with the people of his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi amid nationwide lockdown in the wake of coronavirus outbreak.

(Photo: The Quint)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, 25 March, interacted with the people of his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi amid nationwide lockdown in the wake of coronavirus outbreak and said that the 21-day fight is like the battle of Mahabharata that lasted 18 days.

“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

“Battle of Mahabharata was won in 18 days, this war the whole country is fighting against corona will take 21 days. Our aim is to win this war in 21 days,” he added.

Catch all live updates on COVID-19 here.

‘Don’t Try to Treat Coronavirus Yourself’

Referring to the Navratri festival that began today, he said that he prays to the goddess for the battle against COVID-19.

“Today is the first day of Navratri, you all must be busy in performing rituals and offering prayers, but still you took out time for this interaction, I'm grateful to all of you. I pray to Goddess Shailputri to give us the strength to fight country's battle against coronavirus,” he added.

Stressing on the need of social distancing, PM Modi said that the coronavirus does not spare anybody, be the rich or the poor,

“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. COVID-19 doesn’t discriminate between rich and poor, it will not spare anyone just because they perform yoga or exercise daily,” he said.

“You should not attempt to treat Coronavirus infection on your own. Stay at your home, do things only after consulting a doctor. Call them up, ask them, tell them your ailments. We will have to note that no vaccine has been developed for it so far, anywhere in the world,” PM Modi said.

‘Have Ordered Strict Action Against Those Ill Treating Doctors, Nurses ’

Reacting to reports of doctors, nurses and other individuals directly associated with patients of COVID-19 facing ostracism, PM Modi appealed to people to create awareness about the matter.

“I appeal to all the citizens, if you notice any incident where professionals, such as doctors&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.

“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,” he added.

He thanked the medical staff and said that the entire nation played an active role in thanking them during the ‘Janata Curfew’ at 5 pm on 22 March.

“This country's common man believes in taking the right step at the right time. On 22 March, it was clearly seen how all the citizens supported JanataCurfew and then at 5:00 pm, expressed gratitude for the professionals fulfilling their duties in essential services,” PM Modi said.

“These days, people in hospitals are working for around 18 hours per day; people in healthcare sector are not getting more than 2-3 hours of sleep. Civil society people are working day in, day out to help poor. We should salute such people who are serving society in this critical hour,” he said.

The prime minister has been interacting with various stakeholders on ways to deal with the virus outbreak.

He has also been pitching for social distancing, urging people to stay at home whenever possible.