Modi’s Approach of Handling Corona – Fighting Fire Blindfolded - Velivada

As it is clear the epicentre of Corona has now shifted and in Italy alone more people have died comparable to China. China, South Korea, and Singapore effectively restricted the spread of Virus and their health-policies backed by a strong initiative from the government gave them success in handling the situation.

Compared to these countries, India is nowhere near equipped to fight Corona pandemic. The most important factor in fighting such contagion is the tests. WHO chief a few days ago said, “Test, Test and Test”. Without tests, it is difficult to know the extent of problems. The test kits are inadequate and one can assume that the test kits are not available at all. For the bigger hospitals, the test kits run in hundreds while the people coming for the tests are into thousands. Without this screening, the problem is going to be worst if the spread of the virus is limited due to mutation. Specialists claim that the virus may mutate, but in the worst scenario it may not and countries like India can see thousands of deaths. The failure of the Indian government to address such critical issues will lead to many deaths.

Like the heads of other states assured to their citizens that the treasury will be opened to those who are affected by this virus, no commitment to the poor, the small businesses, the bread earners of the family was made. The result of the locked economy will be a pain, hunger, and death for the poor.

How would the people on the street and those depend on daily wages will survive if the lockdown extends even for a week? Who will provide for those who earn and live on a daily basis? What is the plan of the Modi government? What are plans to revive the economy which was already deep in the ditch? How poor will survive this crisis? More people will die because of hunger and starvation arising through the lockdown and what is the plan of government to handle such devastation?

Such questions must be addressed by the government at once but instead of following and handling the real crisis situation, BJP/RSS government is clanking utensils. What a mockery and misuse of power! The government seems blindfolded and ignorant as usual, out of touch from the reality and no sense of seeing it.

The callous attitude displayed by Modi is harmful to the nation. This man is bent on making even a pandemic situation into an event – the clanking utensils and showing craziness to the world. May better sense prevails and crisis handled with care, love and compassion.

Author – Mangesh Dahiwale, Human Rights Activist