‘Modi Penal Code’: Opposition tears into PM after 25 held over critical posters

A total of 25 FIRs were filed and as many people were arrested by the Delhi Police over allegedly putting up posters critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, reported PTI. “Modiji humare bachon ki vaccine videsh kyu bhej diya (PM why did you send vaccines of our children to foreign countries?),” read the posters that were plastered at several places across Delhi.

Also read: As Kashmir runs dry of COVID vaccines, inoculation nearly stops in valley

The move drew staunch criticism from Opposition and the general public alike. 

“Putting up critical posters against PM is now a crime? Is India run by the Modi Penal Code now?” asked Congress leader Jairam Ramesh, who further questioned if the “Delhi Police is so jobless in the middle of a raging pandemic??”

He said he would be putting up posters on his compound wall and challenged the Delhi Police to get him.

Also read: COVID vaccines in large amount to be available in 2 months: AIIMS director

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra termed “Modiji humare bachon ki vaccine videsh kyu bhej diya” as a “valid question.”

“The poster asked a simple question,” tweeted Congress leader P Chidambaram. “Even before the PM could answer, the loyal Delhi Police answered with ARREST,” he added.

“Busy with Election Rallies & building the Central Vista, Modi Govt didn’t have time to plan for Vaccines, but has time to arrest the poor,” tweeted the Communist Party of India (Marxist).

Also read: 216 crore vaccine doses to be available by Dec 2021, enough to cover all Indians: Centre

“Apparently, system ji likes his photo on vaccination certificates, but doesn’t like posters criticising his vaccination policy,” wrote a Twitter user.

Meanwhile, several users, including singer-composer Vishal Dadlani shared similar messages that read, “People have been arrested for putting this Poster. Please don’t share it. It has really hit the nerve of Narendra Modi Government. Retweet only for awareness purpose so that more people know what they shouldn’t do.”

Also read: COVID patients should defer vaccination for 6 months after recovery: Centre

The Modi government is facing criticism over its vaccine policy as despite being a major producer of pharmaceutical products, India is facing a massive shortage of vaccine supply. Since the production started, the country exported large amounts of doses, without ensuring the supplies at home.