Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the 21-day national lockdown to contain the spread of coronavirus was bound to cause disruptions but the choice was stark as social distancing and isolation were the only and best means to ensure the disease did not extract an incalculable cost.
In a video interaction with residents of Varanasi, the PM, in his first comments after he announced a lockdown, said even in a normal situation, there was the possibility of inconveniences like water/electricity shortages and missing service providers, and to assume that a crisis of the magnitude that coronavirus presented would not create problems was akin to defrauding ourselves.
"To think there will be no difficulties will be to delude oneself. The Centre and state governments are trying hard to help. Still, I do agree that it is important to question the arrangements. But we should also pause for a moment to ask ourselves whether despite the problems, faced with a danger like coronavirus, do we have to win or not. The difficulties are going to be there for only 21 days but the damage that coronavirus will cause if it does not go away cannot be calculated " the PM said.
Modi seemed to be trying to prepare people to put up with various inconveniences like irregular supplies of everyday items while arguing that the threat of wider or uncontrolled transmission of coronavirus was a danger that needed to be averted at all costs.
Seeking to drive home the point, Modi said the battle of Mahabharata was won in 18 days, and the one against coronavirus was going to take 21 days. "Our endeavour is to win it in 21 days. Whereas Lord Krishna was the general and the guide in Mahabharata, the battle against coronavirus will be led by 130 crore Indians,” he said, adding that the common man believed in taking the right step at the right time.
“On March 22, it was clearly seen how all citizens supported janata curfew and then at 5 pm, expressed gratitude to professionals fulfilling their duties in essential services,” he said.
