Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday launched the ‘Sankalp’ campaign, which is aimed at raising awareness about the COVID-19 pandemic in Bhopal and drew circles in front of shops to ensure social distancing in markets. He urged people to follow the campaign’s ‘Mera Mask Meri Suraksha’ [My Mask My Protection] motto. 

While launching the campaign in the Bhawani Chowk area of Old Bhopal, Chouhan appealed to people to follow wearing masks and social distancing to protect themselves and said it is necessary for everyone to unite against the deadly coronavirus. 

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However, while drawing the circle to ensure social distancing, the Madhya Pradesh CM was accompanied by four to five men, who were helping Chouhan. Twitter was quick to notice and point out the irony, as one user noted that one person, who was sitting next to Chouhan, had his mask at his chin. 

See photo here:

While another user noted that Chouhan was not following social distancing himself, as he said, “Irony is he is not following physical distance..”

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Another person on Twitter praised Chouhan’s work and wrote in Hindi, “You are doing good work, sir, but maintain social distancing of six feet and ask your friends to wear masks.” 

See some of the Twitter reactions here:

At the COVID-19 awareness campaign launch, he said that the second wave of coronavirus has arrived and any negligency will prove costly to people. 

He urged social organisations and religious heads to cooperate in the campaign by ensuring that there is no crowding in the upcoming festival season. He said people should adhere to “Meri Holi Mere Ghar” slogan and celebrate the festival of colors, Holi at their homes. 

As of March 24, Madhya Pradesh has recorded 278,577 cases of coronavirus and 3,912 deaths from COVID-19.