Why did PM Modi not wear a mask during G20 Summit: Shiv Sena

An editorial in Shiv Sena mouthpiece stated that because PM Modi did not wear a mask during the G20 Summit, the pace of immunisation against Covid-19 in the country dropped

The Shiv Sena on Tuesday took potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not masking up during his visit to Rome, Italy, for the G20 Summit and while meeting the other heads of states. An editorial in party mouthpiece Saamana also mocked the PM for throwing a coin in Rome’s iconic Trevi fountain.

The editorial in Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamana also mocked PM Modi for throwing a coin in Rome’s iconic Trevi fountain during the G20 Summit and called it a superstition. (AP)

The editorial said that because Modi did not wear a mask during his foreign visit, the pace of immunisation against Covid-19 in the country dropped.

“Except Modi, all the leaders of the countries had worn masks during the G20 summit. Modi was the only one roaming in this manner. He did not wear a mask when he met [US President] Joe Biden and French President [Emmanuel Macron]. This has led to a lot of criticism, but for ‘bhakts [Modi followers]’ Modi is a superpower. So he is not afraid of germs and viruses. Modi has shown the world to live without masks,” the editorial said.

On the sidelines of the summit, Modi and the other world leaders had visited the Trevi fountain on Sunday. The delegation also threw a coin from over their shoulder in the fountain. It is believed that on throwing a coin over the shoulder into fountain, a person returns to Rome.

As a policy, Maharashtra BJP does not respond to criticism or remarks in Saamana.