Thali, Diya, Janatha curfew, Lockdown- The well-fought battle and how Modi has won it

Janatha curfew for a day, Thali bajao for 5 minutes from your balcony, and later turn off the lights, and light a Diya, candle or flash the mobile torch.

Will all these fights the COVID 19? Who knows! The twisted reality that it won’t still stay with us, but these Thali and Diya are just a symbolic representation of the virtual battle that Modi is playing with his critics. Each time symbolically he fights corona he wins against the critics. Love him, hate him, but you can’t ignore him (not in the literal sense).

In short, I may conclude that Modi, is building his popular image with Corona, even if that problem may not be solved. He has done it multiple times, during demonetisation, during Balakot, during Uri etc. He will still continue to do until he continues as the PM.

Each time Modi comes for a nation-wide address, it is usual for his critics or so-called liberals or intellectuals or whatever name you want to give; to mock him. While another set of liberals to ignore him is nothing unusual. Every popular/populist leader across the globe is tired of them. So numerically critics have lost their value, they may be less than 10% or even lesser. They are the most insignificant electorate. They are numerically irrelevant. So, when you try to ignore him, he will also ignore you. He won’t straightforward answers, he will give something which are sugar-coated and which are irrelevant to you like Diya jalao, or Thali bajao.

Thus, he directly addresses his most loved followers, or larger or more precise his vote bank ie Upper Middle-Class Hindus and few others. This number is numerically strong enough to keep him winning till he contests which amounts to over 40% minimum vote share enough to win an election. He by cosmetic methods emotionally manipulates you to believe that Modi is there with you. Thus, he involves them also, by making them engage in activities like these to increase his support and make you feel more engaged. The address was nothing but a one-one communication between Modi and his followers. Modi will always say things only what his followers want to hear. And obviously, with most of India being pro-religious and pro-conservative, their aspirations are very well known to him. That is why speeches are meant for, you speak what they want to hear. Movies show what you want to see, serials show the same, so is PM following the same path.

Unlike other countries, India is different. India doesn’t have as strong executive machinery. Also, due to the large population, for an order to reach from top to bottom properly stands impossible, unlike China which has a centralised system. Even Pakistan is now using its military to enforce people to stay at home. There is no nationwide lockdown there, only Sindh and Punjab have a lockdown. Both Sindh and Punjab attribute to the majority of Pakistan’s population and wealth. Other regions like POK, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are highly irrelevant in front of Sindh and Punjab.

So whether it is India, or Pakistan or even an ordinary Asian democracy will find it very hard to implement curfew or a lockdown (China can do do it within days). It is thus left upon the people to finally determine it’s a success. Due to the immense trust in PM Modi, India fell for the Janatha Curfew, but India truly showed its colours when millions of migrants fled their shelter for their native places. Also, when people took on streets beating plates and lighting firesticks. It didn’t just happen in Delhi but it took place across all major cities and states with sizeable migrant population. These migrants 100% won’t vote for BJP, so Modi isn’t much concerned even if they are angry or sad. For him, his vote bank is getting bigger and he is getting more popular. He tactically also transferred the buck on to the states to handle law and order issues regarding everything related to Covid 19.

Why do people feel excited when Modi gives tasks? Understand that people are sitting at home, most of them away from their place of work. So, insecurity gets into the mind of the people. In between boredom, Modi comes and gives you the task. This task is more than enough to remove that boredom, to make you feel that something is happening. In the video by Soch channel, he references this with when Nazi planes bombed various places in London continuous for many days. The British military used to hide the casualties of soldiers and give only what is sought by most of its citizens. A similar strategy is adopted here. Now, you will automatically sense that something is happening and his popularity increases. This increase is enough to compensate for small leakage in his votes.

How has BJP drifted the debate away from reality into its favour?

Using symbolism, BJP is dodging from the real question like are we prepared enough? what about the economy? the migrants etc.

Modi doesn’t speak a single on the no. of cases, measures taken etc with the public, tactically evading all important things which he should have answered. He has won it without even uttering a word or not doing anything.

Tablighi Jamaat Congregation

The epicentre of India’s Covid cases after Indians who came back is this one. Now BJP and it’s IT cell was ready to divert the attention to that as if it was a deliberate plan by Muslims to spread Covid across India.

Tablighi Jamaat is an apolitical organisation of Muslims, formed in 1926 to propagate Islam just as prophet intended to. Now it is one of the largest organisation in the world. Pakistan and Bangladesh post-partition have a large commitment. Is there anything legitimate reason in blaming them?

Tablighi Jamaat kept its meeting at Nizamuddin Markaz near central Delhi. The meet was inaugurated on 3rd March when covid didn't even hit 50,000 marks and it was far more restricted in China itself. The meet saw 2000 delegates from other countries and 8000 from various parts of India. Post the meet, many of them return back home taking back the virus with them. Most cases are in Tamil Nadu. Over 2300 were still stuck in the Markaz as all flights were cancelled. The HQ was later closed by the Delhi Police and cases were taken against the organisers.

People blame Muslims as if Tablighi Jamaat represents all the Muslims of the world similarly as if VHP represents all the Hindus. It's a fact that community spread has happened there but can we hold them responsible for a meet before the curfew and lockdown? Was it on purpose? Who gave permission for the meet, in the heart of National Capital? Why are we communalising the issue?

BJP IT Cell

BJP IT cell is the main successful IT innovation by any political party. It reminds me of the old telephone system which works on Circuit Switching which makes physical connection within seconds. Just like that, soon after Modi or any of its leader makes a statement, it is carried through the network and fed to each individual. BJP with 18 crore members is the biggest network and can defeat the network possessed by any MNC. Amit Malviya is the official head of BJP IT cell. In a campaign by Alt News, it hacked into dark secrets of it, showing how planned tweets are made and they are preplanned in such a way that the hashtag comes trending. They have been accused of spreading fake news, which Amit Shah himself has denied it despite him accepting it. Its founder exited the party, saying that it is just madness.

BJP IT cell was quick enough to carry the message of clapping hands, beating plates etc calling it scientific, astrology, a masterstroke and how this is just a bad time for everyone by astrological predictions. They also made few hashtags trending showing Muslims are purposefully engaging in spreading covid as part of Jihad. Within hours they shifted in propagating on how lighting diyas are scientific and make astronomic predictions like how no. 9 stands for Mars and also tweeting the fake photo of Indian map taken by NASA. Many of them also, claim that lighting diyas will strengthen Hinduism and it’s practices.

Knowing how to convince everyone is the main motto of the IT cell. An uneducated person will surely fall for the fake news, while an educated person will be happy with Modi’s efforts. A person of the Hindu vote bank will be delighted and the image of Modi is built stronger.

Inactive opposition

Opposition by default has to agree upon the fact they need to support the govt or else they will face the criticism that they are not really doing it for a good cause and will be deemed as anti-national or not in the interest of the nation. So, there is no actual belief that opposition will give in any kind of constructive criticism, also given that Mr Rahul Gandhi hasn’t held any press conference since the 2019 elections. But given a state-wise fight, we can see that opposition states are itself putting as a role model.

Analysing India’s fight against Covid

After the first wave of 3 cases in Kerala, there was a big pause, ultimately most of us even believed that everything was over once in for all. But we were wrong, post-Trump’s visit the number of foreigners entering India was exponential. ICMR concludes that over 1.5 lakh people entered India in the first two weeks of March and only over 20,000 were tested or were kept in quarantine and it was a big failure of the Govt. But, with the nature of Mr Modi, he will not apologize for any of his mistakes.

Testing and Quarantine of people returning from other countries

India was quick enough to put a restriction on China, Iran and South Korea. Also later, on Italy. But India didn’t test anyone from USA, UK, Germany, Spain or for that matter from any other country. From that point onwards things went away from our hands. Many tourists entered India, also students and workers from Arab states. India also tested only people with symptoms even today or people who may have been in touch. Unless we test more people, we can’t stop this disease just by the lockdown.

State-wise fight

Most affected states include Maharastra, MP, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Delhi etc. Majority of them are also being non-BJP ruled states, started their ways in fighting the disease. Shutting down educational institutions and offices started early enough and later on statewide lockdown, including the closure of state and district borders. Everything was moving as planned unless the elephant in the box, Tabliqi meet issue came into light.

The biggest improvement or a model we can say was from Bhilwara town in Mewar region of Rajasthan (pronounced as Bhilwada). Being largely affected with 27 cases and 2 deaths, it had gone into a strict lockdown and total isolation from other towns. It is now popularly coming to light as ‘Bhilwara Model’. A similar kind of fight can be seen in Pathanamthitta of Kerala where a family having tested positive after return from Italy travelled across the district. The collector PB Nooh, who has also won an award as the best DM, is doing very well this time. He also championed the rescue and relief efforts during the 2018 floods in Kerala. Madhya Pradesh is where the new rise in cases has really made a headache for everyone with Health officials catching the virus. Kerala has announced a Rs 20,000 Cr package with free ration and consumer kit.

Janatha Curfew and Lockdown

PM Modi on 19 March, announced Janatha Curfew (By and for the people)on 23rd March from 7 am to 9 pm. On 5 pm people were requested to clap for 5 min as a tribute to all the health workers. Later on the next day, he announced a 21-day long nationwide lockdown sparing only essential services. As of 15th April, there has been an extension of lockdown until May 3rd, with quite a lot of exemptions.

What are the essential services? An imp question. EG- A mobile repair shop may be more essential service for me, but for another person, it may not be. For that, you have the Essential Items Act 1955 and Essential Services Maintenance act 1994.

New guidelines for extension of Lockdown.

PM CARES Fund

PM Modi, also announced the opening of CARES fund in order to raise money for the fight against COVID!. So what is CARES? how is it different from PM NRF?

Compared to NRF, which was started to aid disasters and also give as a relief. On the other CARES is temporary and for a specific small cause. It is not even mandatory for NRF to finish spending, but it can be divided and spent accordingly. CARES is more specific. Both of them are exempted from tax.

After its announcement, many eminent personalities have announced their contribution. Here is the link to know how to contribute to the same. All banks accept the donation to CARES, even you can get the link by googling. But please beware frauds.

The main controversy was regarding PM Modi’s decision to allow foreign donations, which they didn’t during the Kerala floods.

Cutting MP salary and MPLADs

The central govt cabinet passed the cut of 30% of the MPs salary for this year and cutting MP LADS fund for two years. The opposition didn’t officially agree with the cutting of MPLADS fund.

Kerala is also set to restart its controversial salary challenge, which asks govt employees to give their salary to the relief fund.

CMDRF

CM fund is another way of donating money directly to the government. Here it will be the state govt. This money is transparent and tax-free. You will also receive an e-receipt. You can go-to the portal to donate as well for the checking of its spending. Use the link below to donate to Kerala CMDRF.

Is India doing better than the other countries?

Comparing the situation to that of the US, Italy and other European states, we can surely say that India is performing better. Why? Unline these states, the engagement between Indians and Chinese people is far lower than Europeans and Americans. Also, many of these countries ignored multiple warnings. We can still remember Trump calling Corona just a flu virus. Also, the foreigners returning back to India, just began after the Covid was declining in China, so ultimately India despite being slow is, at the right path. India got more time and it really was a boon. Understand that Hubei went into lockdown only on January 21st. By that, over 5 million people left Hubei to all parts of the world.

Despite Europe and the US having the best healthcare, India showed better results. That argument is because India just reported 11,000 cases. That is not even 0.1% of the Indian population. But in Italy, Lombardy state and in the US it was New York state. Both of their public health systems have collapsed due to overflowing patients. The same would have been catastrophic if India having low public health ranking saw a large no. of patients. The country with large patients and low health ranking will be only Iran. China has now gone back to its life. With low death rate and low spread, China has conquered it with zero reported. (1.5 million cases across the globe have been reported. This is just the population of Kochi.) Even Boris Johnson, UK PM was infected with Covid showing how different leaders are reacting.

Economical effects

In the era of globalisation, we have come to point when International trade is at the lowest and consumer demand is worst. In this case, the majority of Pvt and public companies which campaigned for the free market and free world will now approach the socialist govt for bailout, aid and loans. (there is a twist here. ) It is a wakeup call to all the govts across the world including India, to invest in education and public healthcare and not just industrialise and globalise.

Are we right in criticising globalisation?- No, we are a generation or a group which has been getting benefitting from globalisation. From all electronic gadgets which are imported to high priced medicines, from types of equipment to petrol and diesel. So, even when you turn anti-globalisation that we will close all border and ships, you are automatically shutting doors for many things you are depended on every day like petrol, diesel, surgical masks, N-95 masks, rapid test kits, electronics, etc. China and India have seen demand for export of pharma drugs because India has been the pharma capital of the world. The HCQs which are largely manufactured in India has its raw material API coming from China. Also, the demand for rapid testing kits has also skyrocketed, Chinese companies are busy exporting them. India manufactures paracetamol, and HCQ while it imports cancer and HIV drugs. So, globalisation is essential to keep the pharma supply intact.

When we blame globalisation we must also acknowledge its other side also.

Politics and covid

Scoring political points are the main or ultimate goals of politicians having this fight kept on. It's pretty sure that CAA is a forgotten chapter and Modi can relax as everyone is now with him. The opposition doesn’t want to take the risk too. Same with Sabarimala issue which is a closed chapter and tactically how he has got back the confidence of the people. Uddhav Thackeray is now leading the fight as a king where it was just his government on loose balance a few months back. MP politics is now on a twist because it’s a one-man cabinet and on a loose hook.

Anger against politicians and ideological politics is now ending. Religions and religious institutions are under attack. BJP MPs and MLAs are caught directly for spreading hate and making communal remarks. At the end of the day, Congress-led UDF in Kerala and UPA at the centre has proven to be a big loser. Crisis on fund division between the states is rising with Kerala making a formal complaint about low allocation. At last, whether you like it or not, Modi is much stronger than where he was in December-January with CAA. Same with Sabarimala issue.

Recently we have a lot of criticism raised by the opposition like Rahul Gandhi and Ramesh Chennithala which no one is paying attention to. They both are not saying that the govt’s fight against covid is a failure but is highlighting a few loopholes and tactically avoiding other topics (Sprinklr issue and Salary challenge one which is legitimate, also RaGa’s testing of cases). The congress is purely split into two sides- Pilot, Manish Tiwari, Shashi Tharoor openly praising the Centre’s and State’s fight against covid while truly the other side, which is just making noise just to make them feel their presence. Then you have Pinarayi who cannot accept criticism and gives back with a strong jibe.

Conclusion

(Being a long blog there is no way left for me other than to conclude it by summarising).

From symbolic representations like Diya, thali etc to complex lockdown Modiji has won the battle like a warrior. Unlike its being talked about, there is still no clarity or end of the tunnel to everything happening around you. So it is far too early to either claim victory or claim loss. The main reason behind Modi’s victory is the strong support he has and his own appeal to all the people to rally behind him. Whether they themselves like it or because of vote-bank, the message was pretty clear. The criticisms raised against all these things are so poor in taste and Modi will continue to ignore this wafer-thin (liberal) minority for his larger victory.

Then we look into the main reasons which attributed to BJP or Modi’s appeal, not only this time but also in the past as well. We also look into a few cases which shot up the cases in India like Tablighi Jamaat, MP crisis, NRIs; at the same time, we see how different states like Kerala, Karnataka, Rajasthan etc are managing very well in the rink. The 21-day first phase lockdown and later it’s extension post 14th April, India’s remarkable story on fighting covid 19 is really interesting and inspiring to all of us, while the US and Europe are struggling to keep it under control. We can witness a better/positive response from the public barring a few instances and clashes with police.

Lockdown is surely putting immense pressure on the poor and literally killed India’s economy post the slow down last quarter. The new financial year didn’t start off well. The way in which you and I can play a big role is by donating to PM CARES fund or the CMDRF of respective Chief Ministers. The pros and cons of all these were looked into. Modi undoubtedly has won the battle.

Globalisation is the lifeline of the world right now, you cannot remove it as such and there is no way you can criticise it by taking the benefit at the same time. The HCQ politics by the US and mask politics by China is quite hilarious on how people interpret the same scenario in different ways. At the end of the day, everything is politics. You have high-level covid politics between the US and China. In India, you can see Congress and Intellectuals pulling the leg of the government. In Kerala, a tussle between UDF leaders and Pinarayi Vijayan not compromising anything like the Malayalam film Ayyapanum Koshiyum. The Congress party is now losing its legitimacy by not having ahead and being divided on the issue.

Fight against covid has come down to the individual level, Modi is giving you tasks. Your donations to CMDRF and CARES is awaited. Then you will have tasks like Salary Challenge post covid. Chinese and Americans will pull each other’s legs and are going to fight for silly but valuable things like HCQs, masks and PPE.

There is no end to this tale unless we thank health workers, scientists, researchers, politicians, police, media and journalists (totally underrated) to help us fight the disease. Google in their honour put various doodles this week.

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Disclaimer- The writer doesn’t affiliate himself with any political party; wrote the article from a neutral perspective and not to hurt anyone’s political sentiments.

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