As Prime Minister Narendra Modi got innoculated against COVID-19 on Monday, social media users cannot stop talking about the same. And while a large section of political leaders and ordinary netizens are talking about how this will help dispel vaccine hesitancy, others are far more concerned by the optics of it all.
As numerous Twitter users have pointed out, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sported an Assamese Gamosa slung around the PM's neck as he got inoculated, And as numerous news reports reminded, the healthcare workers who vaccinated him had hailed from Puducherry and Kerala.
News agency ANI reported that Sister P Niveda, from Puducherry had administered Covaxin to PM Modi, adding that the second nurse was from Kerala. And while many are bemused by the details, others are convinced that this is a carefully crafted election campaign strategy. Not to mention, he chose to take a 'made in India' vaccine.
"PM Modi was wearing gamcha/gamosa of Assam when he took vaccine. The nurse who vaccinated him was from Puducherry. No one can defeat our PM Modi when it comes to campaigning without actual campaign," said one Twitter user.
"Significant message by PM Narendra Modi ahead of #BattleForTheStates. Sister P Niveda, from Puducherry administered COVAXIN...Kerala Nurse Rosamma Anil was also present...Modi also wearing Assamese Gamucha...His long beard reminds you of Tagore in Bengal," jibed another.
But even as some mock the reportage, it has also been amplified by officials from the states in question, as well as being criticised by Opposition leaders.
"A wonderful sight of PM Shri Narendra Modi ji once again leading from the front in the crucial global fight against COVID-19. Proud to witness the Assamese Gamosa adorning the PM in this historic moment," tweeted Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal.
"Sister Nivedha from Puducherry at AIIMS New Delhi as a part of her medical service had an opportunity to administer Covaxin to our honourable PMO India Narendra Modi who leads to intensify the vaccination drive. Puducherry will intensify the drive to make it Corona free soon (sic)," tweeted newly appointed Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Tamilisai Soundararajan.
