Thread by @IndianExpress

For the first time since the Modi Government came to power in 2014, senior BJP and RSS ministers are on the defensive, unsure of how or what to communicate to the people as the #COVIDSecondWave rages across the country.

#THREAD
@ravishkt writes: indianexpress.com/article/india/…

The common refrain is that it was “sudden” and “unexpected,” even when told that the uptick began in Mumbai mid-February and all warning signs — from need of oxygen to the possible impact of the variant — came early. The Government had time to prepare. (2/10)

Asked about the conspicuous silence at the top as compared to daily and regular press briefings by some Chief Ministers, a Union Minister said: “I am with you on the need for a voice of reassurance (from the government). The entire situation is challenging”. (3/10)

Few are willing to discuss how the Centre misread the situation and the BJP passed a resolution praising the Prime Minister for success in the fight against Covid. Indeed, most of them are still hesitant to find fault with the leadership. (4/10)

One minister added that there was an “organised attempt to defame the Central government,” by the same “suspects who attack us on every policy.” (5/10)

However, another Minister suggested that “there will always be people against us but there are fair-minded people as well. Fear and loss of a loved one can anger anybody, this isn’t the time to see all criticism as motivated. The people need to be taken into confidence.” (6/10)

A senior Minister said that daily communication with the public – at a senior political level – may not be that effective. “Speeches will anger people; they want results, not a lecture.” (7/10)
indianexpress.com/article/india/…

“There is over-centralisation in the PMO and a deep problem in the quality of feedback the PM gets. The Principal Scientific Advisor admits he couldn’t see the second wave and then says a third wave will come,” said a senior RSS leader. (8/10)

A Union Minister said they trust the Prime Minister to bring the situation under control. “During the UPA, people were angry at CWG, 2G and coal scams. The situation is not like that.” (9/10)

“Is there any accountability mechanism for people surrounding the leadership…I suspect there is a tendency to please Number One (Prime Minister), so no is flagging negative situations to him on time,” said the senior RSS leader. (10/10)
indianexpress.com/article/india/…