Twitter takes down Rajinikanth's Janata Curfew video for spreading misinformation
On March 21, Rajinikanth took to Twitter to release a video and a statement asking people to observe Janata Curfew tomorrow. However, Twitter has removed the video for spreading misinformation.
The entire nation is gearing up to observe Janata Curfew on Sunday (March 22), as requested by PM Narendra Modi. On March 19, he requested the people to observe self-curfew tomorrow from 7 am to 9 pm. He also asked people to stand in their balconies and clap for the continued support of doctors, nurses and other emergency responders during coronavirus outbreak.
As celebrities applauded PM Modi's idea, Rajinikanth joined the bandwagon and requested people to take part in Janata Curfew. He took to Twitter to share a video and a statement regarding his stance on Janata Curfew and the Covid-19. However, Twitter has taken down Rajinikanth's video tweet as it misinforms people about the pandemic.
In the video, Rajinikanth had said that India is approaching stage 3 (community transmission) and if people follow the Janata Curfew for 14 hours, it could stop the spread of coronavirus from stage 2 to stage 3. This information violates Twitter guidelines because of which the tweet has been taken down.
Here's a screenshot of the deleted tweet:
While Twitter has removed the tweet which had Rajinikanth's video, YouTube still has it. The one-minute-long video has over 9000 views on the video-sharing platform.
In his statement, he wrote, "With the Prime Minister calling for Janata Curfew on March 22nd, India prepares to avoid crucial Stage 3 community transmission of coronavirus in the country. Italy tried implementing a similar nationwide curfew to prevent Stage 3, but to the lack of support from the citizens, the efforts failed, resulting in the death of thousands of people to the pandemic (sic)."
Rajinikanth requested people to behave responsibly and wrote, "We don't want such a crisis in India and I urge everyone to rise to the occasion and participate in the Janata Curfew by strictly staying indoors and practising social-distancing. In these crucial times, let us also remember and thank the selfless service of all the doctors, nurses and medical workers by participating in the nationwide appreciation and prayers at 5 pm tomorrow (sic)"
ALSO SEE | Rajinikanth's appeal to his fans: I urge everyone to participate in Janata Curfew
ALSO SEE | Kamal Haasan urges fans to stay indoors amid coronavirus scare: Use this time to bond with family
ALSO WATCH | Coronavirus scare: Bollywood comes together to create awareness around Covid-19