Mumbai: Taking a dig at the Modi government, the Shiv Sena on Tuesday said the war against coronavirus cannot be won by clapping, clanging of plates or lighting of lamps. Criticising incidents of people coming out on streets with candles, torches and bursting crackers, Shiv Sena, in an editorial in Sena mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ said that people ‘misconstrued’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s appeal.

The article further said PM Modi should clearly spell out what it expected from citizens and those not obeying orders should be punished.

“Those who don’t obey should be punished. It is not that only Markaz (referring to Tablighi Jamaat’s congregation in Delhi last month) breaks rules. Are those blaming the Markaz for the coronavirus spread themselves maintaining discipline and social distancing?” it asked.

Disapproving of ‘9 minutes at 9 pm’ initiative, the Shiv Sena further said, “Claps, thalis and lights…like this we will lose the war. There are many aspects to how people responded to these appeals. Citizens misconstrued the prime minister’s appeal…either the PM cannot communicate with citizens or he himself wants such a festive atmosphere.”

Giving the example of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, the editorial piece suggested that he has been urging people to maintain self-discipline, and communicating with them while ensuring there is no confusion.

“In the fight against coronavirus, you need such a commander. We lost the Panipat battle because of rumours and lack of planning. The war against coronavirus should not end up like that and people of the state shouldn’t meet the fate of Sadashivrao bhau (Marathaarmy commander in Panipat battle),” the Marathi daily said.With PTI inputs