Modi-Amit Shah duo is over fascinated by the notion of surgical strike. They are imbibed with a sort of a Rambo complex, marked by show of adventurism. Right from the days of demonetization the country has witnessed it. They believe in midnight stroke as they are the friends of darkness. It is undisputable that to fight the pandemic physical distancing is a must. Because breaking the chain is vital in this battle. While taking steps a responsible government should think about the reality of their country. In a huge country like India with 130 crores of population to implement lock down effectively is not an easy task. Drawing a lakshman rekha in front of the doorsteps would not work as one wishes. Ours is a country where 10% of the people live in slums. Millions of Indians are still sleeping on the streets. They don't have a door or doorstep to remain safe. 93% of India's work force is from the unorganized sector. Migrant labourers form a considerable part of it. For these men and women to remain home for 21days is unthinkable. Not because they are less concerned about the spread of the virus. Hunger is their problem. A government asking for 21 days lock down ought to have to think about this human issue. Failure to address such pressing problems of the poor is the hall mark of Modi government. It was evident in the handling of COVID-19 threat.

The massive exodus of migrant families passing hundreds of kilometres in scorching heat was the reflection of Indian reality. It talks about the other side of affluent India. The government's disregard, rather contempt for these Indians was so brutal. Seeking forgiveness through a radio broadcast after imposing such a far-reaching harsh step does not characterize a government that tread sab ka saath. The government owes an explanation to the country for creating such a tragic situation for the working people of India who are the wealth creators. Government could have easily avoided it. On war footing, arrangements could have been made for their food and shelter. But such essential human thoughts never come to their mind. Their thoughts and deeds always roam around the rich and the privileged. Even the 1.7 lakh crores package that they proclaimed was too minimal. One should remember that this is the government which was so benevolent to the 'poor corporates' in providing concessions to the tune of 2.4 lakh crores!

These are times, most unusual in the history of the world. Time to unite the people and define the task to overcome the grave challenge. Commitment, convictions, potential and efficiency of countries and leaders would be put to test at such instances. Human beings are repeatedly reminded about the invincibility of science, as Gods have been provenly failed. Scientific temper, love to humanity and vision of social justice determine the success of this battle. Ethics and politics of policy making would act as the undercurrent of this struggle. Experiences from countries like China, India, US, Cuba etc. need to be studied, may not be now but at the earliest available occasion.

All over the world the poor and the underprivileged are paying the most for the extravagance, uncontrolled lifetime of the privileged who constitute less than 10 percent of the population. Even global warming, one of the main causes for the spread of the epidemic is the result of profit driven development. In New York City, the citadel of global capital, people are dying without even having a mask for protection, whereas Wuhan in China is gradually walking back to normalcy. Cuba, the tiny country of socialism has sent its international brigade of doctors to Corona-stricken Italy. India has to overcome. For that first and foremost condition is to keep the people united. The government has to act as the government of the people. Its leadership should be visible, and they should behave as confidence builders as we seen in Kerala. Any attempt by any forces to create a wedge between the people will be suicidal. Unfortunately, the incident in Nizamuddin is being used by certain forces ideologically near to the ruling dispensation. It is a deplorable dirty game. The government should remain vigilant to check this venomous virus of communal hatred from spreading. Otherwise history will not forgive them. (IPA Service)