Thread by @beastoftraal

I see people wondering why some others are still pinning the blame on Modi inviting people to Kumbh and his election rallies since there is inadequate 'data' on the spread from these 2 events. This is less about data and LOT more about perception. 1/10

2/10 Signal 1: In January 2021, at the World Economic Forum, Modi said, "In a country which is home to 18 percent of the world population, that country has saved humanity from a big disaster by containing corona effectively".

3/10 Signal 2: At the end of March 2021, he personally invited millions to the world's MOST crowded festival, with his face in the front.

4/10 Signal 3: All through April, he visibly attends crowded rallies in multiple states. Even jubilantly praises the 'large crowd' present for him.

5/10 Together, these are signals from India's MOST influential man. His influence is already proven - he has won the elections twice, with a brute majority. If his influence can win elections, won't his influence extend to people letting their guard down because their own

6/10 Prime Minister has (a) declared categorical victory over the pandemic and even announce it to the world, (b) send vaccines outside India ignoring the cardinal rule, "Before you assist others, secure yourself", (c) flag off THE most crowded festival in India and (d) lord over

7/10 massively crowded multiple election rallies as if this is just another year?

If his influence wins votes, the same influence also signals to people many other things through his words and behaviour. If he behaves, visibly and vocally, as if things are "All izzzz well",

8/10 people would let their guard down.

You may argue that he was advised by his team that "All izzzz well". But if the COVID task force did not meet between November 2020 and March 2021, and ignored a 'red-flagged' a March 1st week report from the National COVID-19 supermodel

9/10 committee (and THEN went ahead with Kumbh advertising blitzkrieg and crowded election rallies), what does it really say about him and his Government?

Do not fall for the misdirection about, "Look at the numbers from Kumbh and West Bengal! They are not the cause of the

10/10 second wave!". That's both obfuscation and misdirection. Modi is known for optics, perception management. He perpetuated 'All izzzz well'. As THE most influential man in India, his signals work on a mass level, whether about voting for BJP, or for letting the guard down.