Former CEC SY Quraishi 'sincerely apologises' for RTing a tweet wishing for PM Modi to get coronavirus

Former CEC SY Quraishi 'sincerely apologises' for RTing a tweet wishing for PM Modi to get coronavirus

He says he was trying to report this offensive and unacceptable tweet when perhaps "I pressed a wrong button."

FPJ Web DeskUpdated: Friday, March 13, 2020, 12:41 PM IST
article-image
PM Narendra Modi | ANI

Former Chief Election Commissioner SY Quraishi landed in trouble on Twitter on Friday after he retweeted a tweet from a user hoping that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would get coronavirus.

In the retweet that has since been undone by Quraishi, a tweet shared by one Zedsdeb (@DeadZedb) that said, "Dua ki darkhwast hai'. @DeadZedb had also retweeted a fake story that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro had contracted coronavirus. In reality, it was Bolsonoro's press secretary that had contracted the disease. PM Modi had met Bolsonoro recently, promoting @DeadZedb to make the comment. That tweet was then retweeted by Quraishi.

Although Quraishi undid his retweet, screenshots began doing the rounds and Twitter was quick to react. He also apologised for the 'mistake' caused. "My extreme and sincere apology. I was trying to report this offensive and unacceptable tweet when perhaps I pressed a wrong button," he tweeted.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that no minister of the Central Government would be travelling abroad "in the upcoming days".

Modi also urged citizens to "avoid non-essential travel" and eschew large gatherings.

"The Government is fully vigilant about the situation due to COVID-19 novel coronavirus. Across ministries and states, multiple steps have been proactively taken to ensure safety of all. These steps are wide-ranging, from suspension of Visas to augmenting healthcare capacities," the Prime Minister tweeted, urging people to "say no to panic" and "yes to precautions".

RECENT STORIES

RJD Leader Tejashwi Yadav Slams CM Nitish Govt After Gopal Khemka Murder, Calls It ‘Criminal...

RJD Leader Tejashwi Yadav Slams CM Nitish Govt After Gopal Khemka Murder, Calls It ‘Criminal...

Dalai Lama Turns 90: Kiren Rijiju & Pema Khandu Joins Celebrations In Dharamshala (VIDEO)

Dalai Lama Turns 90: Kiren Rijiju & Pema Khandu Joins Celebrations In Dharamshala (VIDEO)

Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh Recalls Indira Gandhi’s 1968 Visit To Argentina As PM Modi Arrives...

Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh Recalls Indira Gandhi’s 1968 Visit To Argentina As PM Modi Arrives...

PM Modi Expresses Grief Over Sambhal Wedding Tragedy, Announces ₹2 Lakh Aid For Families of...

PM Modi Expresses Grief Over Sambhal Wedding Tragedy, Announces ₹2 Lakh Aid For Families of...

Proud Moment! Indian National Anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' Played In Trinidad & Tobago Parliament Ahead...

Proud Moment! Indian National Anthem 'Jana Gana Mana' Played In Trinidad & Tobago Parliament Ahead...