Coronavirus pandemic | Ridiculous to equate MPs with doctors: Karti Chidambaram hits back at Tejasvi Surya

Even as most cities that have reported COVID-19 positive cases are shutting down offices and public places to avoid further spread of the deadly disease, the Parliament continues to be in session. The decision was taken against several leaders who were of the opinion that it would not be wise for politicians either to congregate at such a time.

Commenting on this, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor tweeted:

Ironic that Members of Parliament, who must exhort their constituents to take necessary precautions against #COVID19, continue to congregate in Parliament, where they sit cheek-by-jowl on narrow benches. Far from “practice what you preach”, MPs’ msg is: “do as I say,not as I do!”

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— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) March 18, 2020

Today Parliament security started conducting fever checks on occupants of all cars entering the premises, causing long lines of 25-30 cars outside the gate at any time. Problem is fever only starts on Day 3 of #COVID19. Carriers may still be coming in. We really need to adjourn.

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) March 18, 2020

Sir, MPs aren’t special.

If our doctors, healthcare workers, soldiers at borders & airport staff are functioning braving all odds, shouldn’t we be doing our duties as well? Precaution is important but not panic.

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India under PM is setting global standards in handling #COVID19 https://t.co/fHzQ6BCUor

— Tejasvi Surya (@Tejasvi_Surya) March 18, 2020

Hitting back at Tejasvi, he wrote:

To equate MPs with emergency health workers is outright ridiculous. I salute the health workers for their commitment/dedication. But there is no justification for parliament to function and congregate. If every other congregation is downsized why is parliament an exception?

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— Karti P Chidambaram (@KartiPC) March 19, 2020