why aren't political parties criticizing the government during the corona pandemic like they used to do during election time?

First of all this is not election to criticize the government, or government to criticize the opposition. Secondly it is good that entire opposition parties are not doing any dirty politics criticizing government action or finding fault. In a way they are extending full cooperation and support to the government at least not confusing public with protest against any government action. In this crisis period government is having a free run to do whatever way it wants to handle the situation without having to worry about any protest from any corner.

Yes the opposition parties are behaving very maturely and sensibly. People will not forgive playing politics at this juncture. Its the government responsibility to work out it policy, action plan and allocate resources as it deem fit. Neither Opposition parties given any role to play. At non BJP ruled states respective government is busy in handling their own problem, its like exam everybody is busy in writing their own answers. People will start putting their opinion once result is out.

As regards giving suggestion, suggestion could be given only when it is asked for. Central government is acting totally on its own without seeking any advise or suggestion. The government has kept the entire opposition cut off form any role whatsoever, so opposition can not be blamed for not giving any suggestion. The way government is working, its clear that it doesn’t want opposition to play any role. So the credit or discredit whatever would go the government only. Even though Sonia Gandhi came forward with few suggestion, however the government hasn’t bothered to give any reaction or acknowledge the same even for courtesy shake. So please don’t expect opposition parties to come forward with any suggestion to be treated unwanted and insulted.

Generally in the time of national crisis opposition parties are also made integral part at least in the coordination committee and major decisions are discussed. Here in this case we see a departure from that practice. As such it seems most of the calls are being taken by the PM himself alone. Though Modi spoke to Ex Presidents, Ex Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi, however the same was purely courtesy call and private in nature.