New Delhi: Jokes, jibes and jarring visuals were some highlights from Twitter today as coronavirus brought the busiest cities to a halt. In India, however, it’s politics as usual for many parties.
For starters, historian Ramachandra Guha hits below the belt to land a blow on ex-CJI Ranjan Gogoi for his appointment to the Rajya Sabha.
In 2012, Arun Jaitley, then leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, remarked, "There are two kinds of judges–one who knows the law, the other who knows the Law Minister".
Now there are three kinds of judges; the third kind knowing the Law Minister AND the Home Minister.
— Ramachandra Guha (@Ram_Guha) March 17, 2020
Congress member Shama Mohamed and media professional Tarique Anwer highlight the BJP’s ‘U–Turn’ on appointments of previous judges to Parliament.
–@narendramodi, who was once so vocal against awarding Rajya Sabha seats to Judges post retirement, is now sending #RanjanGogoi to the Rajya Sabha.
Aakhir Hypocrisy ki bhi koi seema hoti hai, Modiji! pic.twitter.com/tcWyIEhB7h
— Shama Mohamed (@drshamamohd) March 17, 2020
From P Sathasivam to Ranjan Gogoi. Modi government has been at the forefront of creating post retirement avenues for judges. #RanjanGogoi pic.twitter.com/cJoRE1lw5N
— Tarique Anwer (@tanwer_m) March 16, 2020
Comedian Kajol Srinivasan takes a coronavirus aim at Gogoi—see what she comes up with.
My sanitizer is so good at keeping my hands clean, I've named it Gogoi.
— Kajol Srinivasan (@LOLrakshak) March 17, 2020
BJP leader Kapil Mishra seems to be completely unaffected by the developments of the day as he launches a fundraiser for the rehabilitation of Delhi ‘Hindus’ — others need not apply.
So far 11,652 people have donated almost ₹ 74 lacs
अभी तक 11, 652 लोग दंगा पीड़ित हिन्दू परिवारों के लिए पैसे दे चुके है, कुल लगभग ₹ 74 लाख रुपये आ चुके है#1Crore4DelhiHindu
— Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishra_IND) March 17, 2020
BJP Goa pays tribute to its late patriarch and former Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on his death anniversary.
Humble tributes to Bhai!#ManoharParrikar pic.twitter.com/D4vO6SHGp0
— BJP Goa (@BJP4Goa) March 17, 2020
Okay, time to talk about the newsmaker of the year, the deadly coronavirus.
Australian filmmaker Baz Luhrmann reminds us of the gratitude we owe and must express to health care professionals worldwide.
— Baz Luhrmann (@bazluhrmann) March 14, 2020
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor shares one way we could minimise putting health workers in danger — Kerala style…
Robots dispensing sanitiser & #COVID2019 advice. In Kerala!! pic.twitter.com/TlBETlxXel
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) March 17, 2020
Art director Smriti Kiran shares a motivating account of a coronavirus survivor.
A kind friend shared this with me. Her friend Kartikeya is recovering from #COVID2019. He is 43. He got his test done on DAY1. It is one of the most reassuring things I have read but it does not take away from the severity of the virus. Word of caution: DO NOT SELF MEDICATE. pic.twitter.com/sSlX8eXIbv
— smriti kiran (@smritikiran) March 16, 2020
Another celebrity is down, actor Idris Elba was also diagnosed with coronavirus but he’s taking it on the chin.
This morning I tested positive for Covid 19. I feel ok, I have no symptoms so far but have been isolated since I found out about my possible exposure to the virus. Stay home people and be pragmatic. I will keep you updated on how I’m doing ???? No panic. pic.twitter.com/Lg7HVMZglZ
— Idris Elba (@idriselba) March 16, 2020
Look at haunting photographs of a deserted Times Square, in New York by two somewhat shocked New Yorkers.
It’s literally quiet. pic.twitter.com/PZKEwlv07s
— D. (@__DesJ) March 15, 2020
Times Square, 7:30 this morning. pic.twitter.com/Mtley1v0wA
— jelani cobb (@jelani9) March 16, 2020
The BJP continues its optimism about the Centre’s approach to coronavirus, and here’s Union Minister Smriti Irani shifting her focus to some “unsung heroes” .
A huge shout out to all our frontline health workers, doctors , security personnel,staff manning airports and all screening ops including government offices and Parliament. The unsung heroes of #COVID2019 . Grateful for your services?
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) March 17, 2020
When life gives you a crisis, you turn it into a…..social media campaign, in this case, a useful one. Here’s Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan literally teaching Indian citizens how to wash their hands.
I request all citizens to take the #SafeHands challenge & POST THEIR VIDEOS HERE to help create mass awareness !
Washing hands thoroughly with soap & water kills #coronavirus !
A big shout out to all Members of Parliament to take the #SafeHandsChallenge & post their videos ! pic.twitter.com/JmYae2H6bB
— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) March 17, 2020
In trying times humour always comes to our rescue. Comedians Akshar Pathak and Trevor Noah imagine what Italy-like balcony concerts would look like in their cities.
stepped out in the balcony to sing songs with all my neighbours but woh sab kapde sukhaane mein busy hain
— Akshar (@AksharPathak) March 17, 2020
When you're inspired by Italy but live in New York pic.twitter.com/2lBwxJ8785
— The Daily Show (@TheDailyShow) March 16, 2020