In the video, Modi claims India beat the odds in the fight against the coronavirus, despite India having a much higher population than others. In the speech, he proudly gives out the figures of how great the country was doing in terms of technology and providing vaccines to other countries. Meanwhile, developed nations placed orders in advance to procure vaccines. I deeply resent being lied to by a government trying to win support for its dangerous, fearmongering policies. Modi’s speech at the World Economic Forum was arrogant and self-serving and now, a few months later, the country is begging for help worldwide. Serum Institute, the world's largest vaccine manufacturer, is currently testing a vaccine for its citizens. The country can manufacture 70 million doses a month, but even with all those doses directed toward its domestic needs, they’re not enough to meet the overwhelming demand. India has made headlines with its crisis in vaccines, oxygen, lack of hospital beds, increasing death rates, and disturbing images from crematoriums. The country recently surpassed the devastating milestone of more than 329,517 new COVID-19 cases and 3,879 new deaths as of May 10th. Source: Worldometer.
Furthermore, a huge number of blind supporters will elect him in upcoming elections despite his failure in handling the second wave. The problem lies is in the minds of these supporters, who unsee his failures and are inclined to his propaganda. The educated/semi-educated/middle-class might get access to this video and make them rethink, but those who thrive on misinformation and propaganda might not. A huge number of blind supporters means that the voter base might remain strong and re-elect him. Unfortunately, India does not have a strong opposition party. With enough fearmongering, using majority-minority and Pakistan-China cards, the current government will continue to play the minds of its supporters, and that attitude may win Modi the next election. While the second wave that swept Europe last year should have alerted the Modi government. Instead, the government approved Covid-inappropriate behaviour by opening up malls and holding political rallies because votes mattered to them more than the deadly virus and pushed hundred of devotees to death by approving religious gatherings because astrology mattered to them more than science. Watch the images from these gatherings shared by the media and you will witness no social distancing or mask-wearing. Michael Kugelman, the deputy director of the Asia program at Washington, D.C says, "the answer comes down to a perfect storm of factors that includes new and existing variants and a general complacency on the part of the Indian government, which was slow to respond to a crisis in which it had prematurely claimed victory.” Source: The Atlantic
On the other hand, the government remains silent, addressing a few press briefings and narrating pre-recorded statements. Like Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant) – asking citizens to rely on themselves, not the government, to save their lives. Quoting, “When the world is in crisis, we must pledge a pledge which is bigger than the crisis itself. We must strive to make the 21st century India's century. And the path to doing that is self-reliance". How does this apply to a migrant worker? Not to forget, long ensured social segregation based on one’s place in the hierarchy-classism/casteism. The Dalits (untouchables) that numbered 200 million who were shunned for centuries as the lowest in society, were at the forefront of the pandemic and shed light on the curse of the caste system. The government took no responsibility back then and let hundreds die as they walked miles home during the first lockdown. Today, thousands more are dying in hospitals due to a lack of medical aid.
The government is cracking down on people who criticize it online. The sources mentioned over 50 tweets that shared pictures of India’s overflowing crematoriums and hospitals that were restricted by India’s IT ministry. The government does not come up with any plan, does not address the nation with the facts nor has the spine to face the media. Given the shortages in the availability of vaccines, prices are soaring, worsening the inequality among states and different economic groups. Media working for the government share disturbing images with the world to gain sympathy points and donations for PM funds. While Social media platforms have turned to online help centres, aiding the needs of the people as the government can not come up with a plan. Over the last few weeks, people have accessed medical oxygen, lifesaving drugs, and hospital beds with the help of social media. They also advised them to pass on the verified information because there may be a few who prey on the vulnerable. It's overwhelming to see the world is praying for India, donating money, and medical aid. Meanwhile, the government is building Central Vista constraining cost-benefit analysis and change in policies because of national emergencies.
Elites are sharing their resources, urging them to donate money to relief funds from the people who are being pushed into poverty. The list of countries has provided India with medical equipment, oxygen, vaccines, and treatments so far. The question is, has the government distributed the aid received to hospitals. Is the relief fund feeding the hunger? Meanwhile, the propaganda (large, passionate following) cells of political parties have been flooding social media with concocted stories to support their preferred narratives. The privileged minds think they are safe and happily share these WhatsApp messages spewing hatred. Ignoring how the government spent around 7132 million dollars or Rs 713.20 crore of taxpayers’ money to promote itself through advertisements in newspapers, electronic media, and hoardings over the last financial year. Source: Read more. The article published by Deccan Herald last year revealed the amount spent on PR each day, and not to forget the Central Vista project. The government is remodelling using about 134.5 billion US dollars or Rs 13,450 crore from the national development quota. A system where people aren't getting essential medical care. Why is the government begging to donate to the PM Cares fund and why ask for donations from other countries citing lack of funds? Hypocrite much?
I'll never understand how some people can still be delusional enough to support him and will do their best to make you forget about their colossal failure that has resulted in the death of thousands of Indians. The Fascists have always embraced false narratives and used violence and fear as weapons to ensure that people accept their lies as truth. When people voice out their opinions, they are brutally abused online by government supporters, jailed, or even raped. Ultimately, choosing violence to silence the voices of activists, which is a holocaust. The government takes credit for the success of Covid relief and does not hold it responsible for its failures. Considering the population of the country, the government must have focussed on preparing for another battle with Covid-19 when Europe faced the second wave. The government had enough time in hand to plan for better health care and meet the gaps addressed during the first wave. Instead, it shifted its motive towards elections, religious gatherings and does not want to hold any accountability. Why do you want to support such a government, who does not hold any responsibility nor maintain any political and democratic accountability? Perhaps the biggest concern is the threat posed by mutant transmissible variants. Can the vaccine produce in 2020 beat the double mutant?
As the series of devastating scenarios unfolding in India is so large that no attempt to camouflage it will succeed. We must recognize that we are in the midst of a historic crisis. The government has failed with informing its people with facts, be transparent with the death rates, coming up with the plan, and prioritizing its citizen. We must acknowledge that we are in an unprecedented crisis. India needs an educated leader, who can understand the complexity of the crisis. A leader who can logistically plan out the delivery of oxygen cylinders received, plan a better health care system, and who can take accountability. Education is merely a tool that can teach one to be responsible, someone who is impartial, and act in the interest of the greater good. Unlike the current government who thinks polarisation will get him votes, take credits for the technology and pharmaceutical work. India does not need a national narcissist boasting that it had finally defeated the virus on the World Economic Forum.
