Nizamuddin’s incident is being used as a protective shield by Modi government. Indian media which is popularly termed as ‘Godi media’ (a Hindi term for lapdog) is vociferously setting the narrative that Tablighi Jamat is solely responsible for the spread of Corona Pandemic in India. The truth is Nizamuddin Jamat gathering wasn’t the only religious or political gathering, that happened in India post the declaration of Corona Pandemic as a ‘Health Emergency’ by Indian government. There were many similar congregations that took place during the same time period.
A ceremony held on 8th March, International Women’s day award ceremony organised at Rashtrapati Bhawan in presence of Hon’ble President Kovind and Minister of textile Mrs Smriti Irani, where a large number of prominent people were in attendance. Aattukal Pongala festival too happened, a 10-day long temple festival inaugurated on 8th March in Kerala, with hundreds of thousands in attendance.
On 24th March PM Modi announced 21 days nationwide lockdown. However, on the very first day his close aid UP CM Yogi Adityanath attended the Ram Mandir Pooja event in Ayodhaya.
Despite the Karnataka government’s ban on mass gatherings, March 15 saw hundreds of people attending the mega wedding of MLA Mahantesh Kavatgimath’s daughter. Karnataka CM, BS Yeddyurappa, himself attended the ceremony. But strangely enough these events could not be demonised by the eyes of media. Now the hyperactive nationalist media is using Nizamuddin incident to shield the government’s monumental failure, when many people started questioning the delayed action taken by Government of India, to control the spread of corona pandemic in India. The Indian medical fraternity is grappling with shortage of PPE kits and govt is unable to provide them with the PPE in sufficient numbers. According to well placed sources at least 50 doctors are infected with Coronavirus and most of these were exposed to the virus while treating affected patient due to lack of PPE.
The lockdown has resulted in insurmountable pain for daily wagers who just want to reach home in these uncertain times. With trains and buses suspended across the country, walking was the only option left for many. The sides of the highways were suddenly lined with people, bags slung over their shoulders, many with nothing in their pockets, walking bare feet. More than 34 migrant labourers have died over the past few days, trying to walk back home. Will candles at 9 PM, help their souls attain moksha?
