Modi's appeal to switch off lights for 9 minutes tonight
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged the people of India to turn off all lights for 9 minutes tonight in a show of solidarity with the nation's fight against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The PM had made the appeal on Friday in what was his third video address in two weeks. Instead, Modi said, people should light lamps and candles in their balconies.
'Turn off lights, stand in balconies, light candles, diyas'
Addressing the nation Friday morning, Modi had said, "On April 5, Sunday, at 9 pm, I want 9 minutes from all of you. Turn off all the lights in your homes, stand at your doors or balconies and light candles, diya (lamp) or mobile flashlights for 9 minutes." "Let us light our lives with hope amid the darkness of coronavirus pandemic," he added.
Modi faced backlash after announcing lights-out event
Modi's appeal had invited backlash as critics said it was a show to mask the government's inability to handle the COVID-19 crisis. Opposition leaders also lashed out at Modi. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted Saturday, "India is simply not testing enough to fight the #Covid19 virus. Making people clap & shining torches in the sky isn't going to solve the problem."
'Just a feel-good moment curated by India's Photo-Op Prime Minister'
"Nothing about how to ease people's pain, their burdens, their financial anxieties," Congress MP Shashi Tharoor tweeted, "Just a feel-good moment curated by India's Photo-Op Prime Minister" Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra tweeted, "GET REAL MR. MODI! Give India fiscal pkg worth 8-10pc of GDP."
Many circulated rumors saying event had astrological or scientific significance
Soon after Modi's announcement, rumors were circulated on social media that the appeal to light candles and diyas at a specific time held astrological, numerological, or scientific significance. The government later asked people not to fall for such "rumors/unscientific reasoning." The Press Information Bureau tweeted on Friday, "This initiative is to show solidarity and confidence in our collective fight against #Covid19"
You can view the tweet here
Some raised concerns about grid stability due to 9-minute blackout
There were also concerns of an imminent power grid failure with the sudden reduction in demand during the nine-minute blackout, followed by a surge. The Ministry of Power said these apprehensions were "misplaced." The Ministry also said there was no call to switch off either street lights or appliances (TVs, refrigerators, etc.). Reportedly, power grid operators are preparing in advance to ensure grid stability.
Government cautioned against use of alcohol-based sanitizers while lighting lamps
The government and the Army also issued an advisory asking people to not use alcohol-based hand sanitizers while lighting lamps. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, with at least 60% alcohol content, have been recommended as a personal hygiene measure to combat the coronavirus. However, they are also highly flammable. Notably, there has been an incident where a Haryana man burnt himself while using a hand sanitizer.
Two weeks ago, Modi had imposed 'Janata Curfew'
The event comes two weeks after the Janata Curfew on March 22, when Modi appealed Indians to remain indoors from 7 am-9 pm. He had also asked people to clap or ring bells from their balconies at 5 pm to appreciate India's healthcare professionals.
