Focus NNPG deliberations: All eyes on NNPG-Civil society meet on Oct 29...Breakthrough likely ?

Optimism is back in the air. Breakthrough likely? But what happens to NSCN (IM)?

However, security has been intensified in Nagaland and parts of Manipur to deal with challenges in case of any fall out of the talks.

The conglomerate of seven Naga militant groups - operating within Nagaland - is set to hold a consultative meeting with tribals leaders and civil society members in Dimapur, Nagaland on Thursday, October 29.

Will this redefine the entire shape of Naga peace talks? Mind you, the NSCN (IM) is out of this.

Notably, the GPRN/NSCN has urged the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to announce the date for signing of the 'Indo-Naga political agreement without any delay'.......

NNPG convener Kitovi: Man and Destiny ? 

So, the news would be coming in November, 2020 ?

In its Joint Council meeting held at Council Headquarter (CHQ), Khehoi Designated Camp on October 26, the Council unanimously endorsed the GPRN/NSCN Collective Leadership to continue strengthening the Working Committee, NNPGs till the Government of India and Nagas sign the negotiated Political Agreement as per the “Agreed Position” 

Representatives from Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC), Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC), which had disassociated from Naga Hoho, Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (Village Elders' body) and leaders of 14 Tribes are expected to participate at Oct 29 meet.

The Naga Peace talks have reached a turning phase and probably the last leg but NSCN(IM) insistence on Flag and Constitution have stalled the progress.

There is a 'deadlock' and no one is sure who holds the 'key' ! Home Minister Amit Shah is keeping a tab on the developments and is monitoring things.

Recently, he met Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio - who admits that 'division' among Nagas is an issue. Shah also met Nagaland opposition leader T R Zeliang (NPF) and urged him to ensure that the NPF and the NDPP-BJP government should on the same page vis-a-vis peace talks.  

The Oct 29 meet is crucial as in August, NNPG convener and Ato Kilonser, N Kitovi Zhimomi, GPRN/NSCN, had said the umbrella organisation is keen to sign any peace pact with the Government of India any time. 

Can he deliver ?

After the 2019 polls, the Prime Minister had given his nod and almost a deadline to sign the agreement with the Naga rebel groups by October 31 last year.

On the other hand, there is an argument that if talks fail, one or two factions of Naga militants 
can revive insurgency with the help of their operatives in China, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

NNPG leader Zhimomi cautions about such a situation too. 

“The general notion that is infused into the Naga Society is that ‘If the talks fail, we go back to jungles’. This is easier said. The resultant of this move would be disastrous to our Naga brothers and their families,” he said. 

“Should we continue to shed blood?,” the Naga rebel leader said stressing in favour of a lasting solution and peace.

The Govt of India seems to have done the homework well. Lately, stepping up its crackdown against Northeast Indian insurgents, Myanmar army launched ‘Operation Sunrise-3’ at the Indo-Myanmar border. 

Many of the separatist outfits are carrying out insurgency ops !! 

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Khaplang (NSCN-K), led by Yung Aung, is consolidating its position inside Myanmar. Foreign Secretary Harsh Shringla and Army chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane went on a two-day visit to Myanmar.

 

Shot in the arm for India: In stigmatising China, Pompeo and Esper bolster Prez Trump's poll prospects

Asian Americans were overlooked and ignored by Republican and Democratic political parties. Among the American electorate, the number of eligible Asian American voters grew by 139 percent between 2000 and 2020. Thanks to the American peculiarity called 'naturalization'. 

In 2020 presidential polls, as high as 4.7 percent of the American electorate will be ethnically Asian, the highest ever.

Being in India and Asia and yet campaigning for Donald Trump for next week’s do or die presidential polls are the goal of two top US policy makers – Mike Pompeo and Mark Esper. On a visit to India for the vital ‘2-Plus-2’ Ministerial Dialogue, the Secretary of State Pompeo and US Secretary of Defence Esper want to give a tough message to China overseas and a convincing message back home to the American voters. Incumbent President Trump has certainly made his China-centric onslaught a key part of his campaign to secure a second term against Democratic candidate Joe Biden. 

In the process of course, things have turned ‘favourable’ to India, which has a vexed boundary issue with China and the crisis had aggravated in June when 20 of its soldiers were martyred.

Pompeo wooed India in quite an unambiguous manner.

“This morning we visited the National War Memorial (in Delhi) to honour the brave men and women of Indian armed forces including 20 who were killed by the PLA forces in the Galwan valley,” Pompeo told reporters at a joint media briefing alongside Esper and two Indian Ministers Rajnath Singh (Defence) and Dr S Jaishankar (External Affairs) on Tuesday, Oct 27.

“The US will stand with the people of India when they face threat to their sovereignty and their liberty,” he said.

Indian foreign minister Jaishankar, a former career diplomat, did not refer to China directly at the joint press conference but did speak about “national security convergences” with the United States.

This speaks of the determination to ensure peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region and strategies to tackle security and counter-terrorism.

“Our national security convergences have obviously grown in a more multi-polar world. We meet today to not only advance our own interests but to ensure that our bilateral cooperation makes a positive contribution

to the world arena,” said Jaishankar. “We are also committed to addressing together global issues ranging from the High availability disaster recovery (HADR) situation to maritime security and counter-terrorism”.

Pompeo also lauded the role of leadership – Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the US President Trump, and said the ties between two large democracies are growing “stronger day by day”.

“Big things are happening as our democracies align to better protect the citizens of our two countries and indeed, of the free world,” Pompeo said.

Both Pompeo and Esper that China and Communist Party of China (CPC) of president Xi Jinping are named more than

once.

US Secretary of Defence, Esper, said both the countries stand “shoulder to shoulder” in support of a free and open Indo Pacific particularly in the wake of “increasing aggression and destabilising activities by China”.

2-Plus-2: 2018 

 

For his part, Pompeo said, “Our leaders and citizens see with increasing clarity that Chinese Communist Party is no friend to democracy, rule of law, transparency… I am glad to say India and the US are taking all steps to strengthen cooperation against all threats and not just those posed by CCP”.

Of course, China has dismissed the American accusations. “We urge Pompeo to abandon his Cold War mentality, zero-sum mindset, and stop harping on the ‘China threat’,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin

told a news briefing in Beijing.

In June, 20 Indian soldiers were killed in a clash with Chinese troops at Galwan valley. The Modi government has sought closer military ties with the United States.

Keeping aside Chinese reservations, India also has invited Australia to join naval drills it holds each year with the United States and Japan.
This was acknowledged in the Joint Statement.

“The Ministers welcomed the inclusion of the Royal Australian Navy in the U.S.-India-Japan MALABAR Naval Exercise scheduled to be held in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea in November 2020. Highlighting the importance of deepening maritime cooperation and the growing sophistication of U.S.-India naval cooperation, the Ministers welcomed the PASSEX carried out by the Navies of both countries,” the statement said.

The US welcomed India’s co-hosting of the Indo-Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (IPACC), Indo-Pacific Armies Management Seminar (IPAMS) and Senior Enlisted Leader Forum in 2023. Both sides would also be looking forward

for enhanced cooperation and military exercises like Yudh Abhyas and Vajra Prahar next year.

Pompeo, who would be visiting Sri Lanka,Indonesia and the Maldives as part of his major Asian outreach exercise, had said his deliberations with Indian and other South Asian leaders would “include discussions on how free nations can work together to thwart threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party”. Referring to his forthcoming visit to other Asian countries, Pompeo said, “collectively” both India and the US can build up on efforts and “do good things for the entire region together”.

Documents announced during the 3rd India - US 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue
October 27, 2020

1. Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) between the Ministry of Defence, Government of India and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), Department of Defense of United Sates of America.

 
Indian side: Ministry of Defence and US side: National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA), Department of Defense of USA

2. Memorandum of Understanding for Technical Cooperation in Earth Observations and Earth Sciences between the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) of the Republic of India and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States of America

3. Arrangement extending the duration of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India and the Government of United States of America concerning cooperation with the Global Center for Nuclear Energy Partnership, India.

4. Agreement for the Electronic Exchange of Customs Data between the Postal Operators (India Post, Government of India and United States Postal Service, the United States of America)

5. Letter of Intent between the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences, New Delhi, Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy, Government of the Republic of India and the Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Government of the United States of America for cooperation in the field of Ayurveda and Cancer Research Indian side:

Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy of India

US side:

Office of Cancer Complementary and Alternative Medicine, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health of USA

Doval and US Def, Secy Esper: New bond New style

President Donald Trump has certainly made his China-centric onslaught a key part of his campaign to secure a second term against Democratic candidate Joe Biden. In the process of course, things have turned 'favourable' to India, which has a vexed boundary issue with China and the crisis had aggravated in June when 20 of its soldiers were martyred.

Pompeo wooed India in quite an unambiguous manner.

He even told a television channel, known generally for being pro-PM Narendra Modi, that - "the United States was guilty too" and also  "....for long time, we appeased Chinese and gave them exceptions (concessions)" 

He further said: "This virus that was unleashed from Wuhan has devastated the economy and killed millions of people".

New Delhi: "Big things are happening", remarked the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the end of crucial '2-Plus-2' Ministerial dialogue with the Indian leaders here.  

This clearly suggested that the deliberations and the outcome could be taken as shot in the arm for Indian diplomacy as China was named and shamed more than once. 

Pompeo told a joint press conference: "Our leaders and citizens see with increasing clarity that Chinese Communist Party is no friend to democracy, rule of law, transparency... I am glad to say India and the US are taking all steps to strengthen cooperation against all threats and not just those posed by CCP". 

In a significant announcement, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, both sides "also explored probable capacity building and other joint cooperation activities in third countries including our neighbourhood and beyond".

Pompeo accompanied US Secretary of Defence, Mark Esper, participated at the third '2-Plus-2' meet with Indian counterparts Dr S Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh respectively. NSA Ajit Doval met them separately and both sides discussed issues taking forward shared objectives and building capabilities across all domains. 

The visiting US top policy makers and aides of President Donald Trump also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Pompeo told a joint press conference: "Our leaders and citizens see with increasing clarity that Chinese Communist Party is no friend to democracy, rule of law, transparency... I am glad to say India and the US are taking all steps to strengthen cooperation against all threats and not just those posed by CCP". 

He lauded the role of leadership - Prime Minister Modi and the US President Trump, and said the ties between two large democracies are growing "stronger day by day".

"This morning we visited the National War Memorial to honour the brave men and women of Indian armed forces including 20 who were killed by the PLA forces in the Galwan valley," he said.

"The US will stand with the people of India when they face threat to their sovereignty and their liberty," he was more than specific perhaps.

 

Pompeo, who would be visiting Sri Lanka,Indonesia and the Maldives as part of his major Asian outreach exercise, had recently said his deliberations with Indian and other South Asian leaders would “include discussions on how free nations can work together to thwart threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party”.

Referring to his forthcoming visit to other Asian countries, Pompeo answering a media question also said, "collectively" both India and the US can build up on efforts and "do good things for the entire region together".

Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Indonesia - the three nations wherein China has over the years invested heavily and enhanced its influence.

Echoing similar sentiment, the US Secretary of Defence, Mark Esper said both the countries stand "shoulder to shoulder" in support of a free and open Indo Pacific particularly in the wake of "increasing aggression and destabilising activities by China".

"Today, we made some substantial progress in further strengthening our relationship," he said.

Esper maintained the Indo-US partnership in the new era and changing times is "more important than ever". He said the defence ties between two countries remains a 'key pillar' in overall bilateral relationship.

Both Esper and his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh, mentioned the signing of the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA) which would give India access to classified geo-spatial data as well as critical information having significant military applications from the US.

 

Rajnath Singh said the third 2-Plus-2 Ministerial dialogue today ensured detailed discussions on "key aspects" of bilateral and multilateral dimensions. Signing of BECA after inking other such high-profile pacts is a "significant achievement", Rajnath said.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said: "At a time when it is particularly important to uphold a rules-based international order, the ability of India and the US to work closely in defence and foreign policy has a larger resonance".

Dr Jaishankar said the Indo Pacific region was of particular focus during the dialogue today.

In this context, both Dr Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh made a strong pitch for rules-based order ensuring the freedom of navigation in international seas and respecting the territorial integrity and sovereignty of all states.

"A multi polar world must have a multi polar Asia....," Dr Jaishankar emphasised.  India also made it clear that cross border terrorism - a veiled reference to Pakistan - was completely 'unacceptable'.

"In Afghanistan, India's stakes in its security and stability is evident as is our willingness to contribute to international efforts," Dr Jaishankar said.

Answering questions from journalists, Dr Jaishankar said the Indo-US collaboration can be a "force of good".

Fielding a question on buying of defence equipment, Rajnath Singh said this can be essentially decided only after formal negotiations. 

A lasting Bond 

EAM, Dr S Jaishankar's opening remarks at the 3rd 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

• First, we live in a more uncertain world with much greater stresses and sharper faultlines. For most countries, that means giving security a greater salience in their foreign policy. As major powers, this is even more so in our case.

• Second, over the last two decades, our bilateral relationship has grown steadily in its substance, facets and significance. The accompanying comfort levels today enable us to engage much more intensively on matters of national security. This format is clearly tailored to that purpose.

• Third, at a time when it is particularly important to uphold a rules-based international order, the ability of India and the US to work closely in defence and foreign policy has a larger resonance. 

Together, we can make a real difference when it comes to regional and global challenges, whether it is in respecting territorial integrity, promoting maritime domain awareness, countering terrorism or ensuring prosperity.

NSA Ajit Doval meets US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and US Secretary of Defense Mark Esper 

They had a constructive meeting and discussed a number of issues and challenges of strategic importance, say sources.

Both sides highlighted the need to take forward shared objectives and build capabilities across all domains so as to ensure a safe, stable and rule-based regional and global security environment, say sources.

India tells US firmly: Cross-border terrorism was completely unacceptable 

Both #India and #US believe in rule-based order and democracy: @rajnathsingh at 2Plus2 Ministerial Dialogue. 

Today's challenges make our partnership more pertinent, he further says.

New Delhi: 

Targeting China, the US and India exchanged views on current global situation and its contemporary challenges; discussed the shared concerns and interests including "stability and security in Asia", and how best that can be ensured. 

US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, and Secretary of Defence, Dr Mark Esper, arrived India on a crucial leg of Asia trip for five days amid Washington's intent to checkmate growing Chinese influence in the region. 

Pompeo is also set to visit Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Indonesia - the three nations wherein China has over the years invested heavily and enhanced its influence.

"Wheels up for my trip to India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, and Indonesia. Grateful for the opportunity to connect with our partners to promote a shared vision for a free and open Indo Pacific composed of independent, strong, and prosperous nations," Pompeo had tweeted just around the time he left the American shore for the visit.

The world’s two biggest democracies India and the US, analysts say, are likely to ink a fresh pact on sharing intelligence. This could pave the way for the US to ship sophisticated missile technology. 

It is also presumed that Secretary of Defence Esper will also be discussing ways to increase defence sales and cooperation between the two countries’ military forces. The arms sales talks could cover US F-18 fighter jets too.

The two visiting dignitaries will be holding the third '2 Plus 2' dialogues with their Indian counterparts Dr S Jaishankar and Rajnath Singh on Tuesday, Oct 27.  Pompeo and Esper will also call on Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

NSA Ajit Doval is also likely to meet the two top strategists and policy makers in the Trump administration.

Pompeo had recently made his intent clear and said his deliberations with Indian and other South Asian leaders could “include discussions on how free nations can work together to thwart threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party”. The trip by Pompeo and Dr Esper is part of the latest US efforts to bolster 'allies' against China, which has been in border disputes with India lately and also allegedly keen to make military inroads in other parts of the region.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh held separate delegation level talks with the US Secretary of Defence, Dr Esper on Monday, Oct 26.

In a missive in the micro blogging site, Defence Minister wrote: "India is delighted to host the US Secretary of Defence, Dr Mark Esper. Our talks today were fruitful, aimed at further deepening defence cooperation in a wide range of areas".

"Today’s discussions will add new vigour to India-US defence relations and mutual cooperation," Rajnath said. Dr Jaishankar also met Secretary of State Pompeo. "Pleased to welcome Secretary of State Pompeo. 

Taking our Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership forward," he tweeted.

Foreign Secretary Harsh V Shringla welcomed US Under Secretary of State, Brian Bulatao, who is part of the visiting US delegation for the 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue. The inaugural 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue was hosted jointly in September 2018 by Late Sushma Swaraj (EAM) and Nirmala Sitharaman (Defence Minister) and was described as "very productive" by PM Modi.

The 2-Plus-2 event and other diplomatic engagements will be conducted in a Covid compliant format keeping in view the need for adequate social distancing. 

First 2+2 : 2018 Sept 

Jaishankar-Pompeo hold separate meeting:

Both the leaders reviewed progress in bilateral ties over last four years; satisfied that they have grown in virtually every domain including trade, energy, defence and education; practice of consultations on foreign policy issues has also expanded, including regional and multilateral; working more closely in multilateral and plurilateral formats.

EAM Jaishankar stressed the uniqueness of our technology and talent flow connects; underlined that a knowledge economy with greater data sensitivity makes an even stronger case for collaboration; an innovation partnership is central to our future; our policies must be accordingly supportive. Education is a special bond between us and both sides should work to expand it further.

Both sides exchanged views on current global situation and its contemporary challenges; discussed our shared concerns and interests including stability and security in Asia, and how best that can be ensured. Specific issues will be taken up in the 2+2.

Followed up on our Indo-Pacific engagement and the Quad deliberations. Spoke about maritime security, counter-terrorism, open connectivity and resilient supply chains.

Pompeo shared with EAM the Administration’s thinking on Afghanistan; EAM highlighted India’s stakes and its continuing concern that decisions should be made by Afghans themselves without use of force. Also made clear that cross-border terrorism was completely unacceptable.

Both Ministers also discussed multilateral consultations and cooperation in the context of India's forthcoming UNSC membership.

Mental sickness and Poverty are reasons for blind hero worship : But why should an Indian fan of Trump die ?

 (edited version appeared in UCA News)

A little known Bussa Krishna in Telangana made news, unfortunately though, in his death.

Krishna's worship of Trump was elevated to a different level when it was reported that the US President Donald Trump was hospitalized with COVID-19. Krishna shut himself in his room, refused to eat or drink, and on Oct. 11, 2020 he collapsed and expired. 

The two demi-Gods ?? 

Fan following can be real madness, as the Trump's 'worshipper' died of cardiac arrest.

Was Krisha's adulation locally in his hometown and the state of Telangana and in general sense in India viewed as normal? It is more often usual for Indians to see a God in their hero; and there is no male chauvinism in it. There are a lot many 'Goddesses' too.

Krishna was a great devotee of the US President. He had built a six-feet statue of Trump at his house in Konne village in Bachannapet block of Janagaon district.

Many decades back, religion was described as the opium of people. This was a truism for all, it was a global phenomenon. But when it comes to hero worshiping of 'God and even living Man and Women' and the blind admiration; South Asians and specially Indians can easily outdo others. No wonder, political chamchagiri is a given minimum qualification !

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's admirers are mocked as 'Bhakts - meaning devotees'.

A ready reference to all these is the life and death of Bussa Krishna, otherwise the death of the 33-year-old man could have gone unreported.

Krishan's adulation was locally viewed as normal. Several popular politicians and film personalities are worshiped, and even temples have been built for them in states like Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. And, guess what; everyone is unfazed !

Krishna used to 'regularly worship' the statue and even bathed it with milk. Which American voter in the world's 'most powerful' democracy can match such dedication and admiration?

Krishna was hardly 33 and according to his family sources, the man had collapsed of a heart attack at his parents’ home at Toopran in remote Medak district in Telangana state in the Deccan plateau in India. One of his kins, Vivek said - “Krishna was feeling depressed after coming to know that Trump and Melania had tested positive for Covid-19".

Such a thing may be rare in the US or in the western world, but hero worship and unprecedented dedication and adulation vis-a-vis films stars and other celebrities often make Indians 'unique'. Among all, cine star Rajinikanth's fan following in the southern state of Tamil Nadu is huge. Some years back, Rajinikanth had fallen sick and hundreds of his fans ate food from the floor with the belief that such a gesture would bring back the star to his normal health.

NTR in Andhra Pradesh 

"A reason for people treating MGR and Jayalalithaa in Tamil Nadu as demigods is their 'Robin Hood image' - robbing the rich and handing over doles to poor like mid day meal scheme in schools, Amma canteens providing good lunch at nominal payment or issuing of cycles to female students and laptops to students and also television sets for poor," says a senior Tamil journalist K R Sudhaman.

He further says, "In the 1990s, Jayalalitha admirers even printed life-size posters showing her as Virgin Mary, but when Christian community protested, the party cadres withdrew and removed those posters".

The poor and hapless Indians, suffering civic indifference, poor health facilities, and living below the poverty line, often take film worlds and lifestyles of the celebrities, something like an escape route from the merciless slavery of daily existence. They can think of such a lifestyle as heavenly, and those who enjoy it are gods.

Perhaps this is why film heroes often are seen performing 'extra-human' antics on screen. With Rajinikanth, a scene using pistol fire to light his cigarette was such a big hit, and common people would clap in cinema halls, without ridiculing the gestures rationally.

Most such hero worship is seen in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana states.

Poverty is one reason. For example, between the 1960 and 1980s, almost half of Tamil Nadu were constantly below the poverty line. Statistics show even today, in some districts of Tamil Nadu, more than half of the population live below the poverty line—meaning not enough to have a full meal a day.

The social psychology of the Indian poor helps look at politicians as a demi-god. Politicians or the 'doers' are seen as dream merchants. None other India's current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is hugely popular, used these people's aspirations as part of his political thought process.

In 2014, when Modi campaigned with a slogan: Achhey din ane waley haen (Good days will be here soon) if he is elected to power. He and his party won with a thumping majority. And he was re-elected in 2019, with some people thinking five years are too short of bringing in the good days.

Good days, come to think of it. Does it sound like the 'land of honey and milk'? 
Like the kingdom of God, or Ram Rajya, the ideal kingdom when Hindu God Ram is king?

Perhaps, every Indian has been longing for good days for decades. They never had good days during the British colonial days, neither when the British left and India gained independence in 1947. 

The story with post-2014 days also remains the same. Indians are waiting for good days to come. 

In November 2016, when Modi enforced demonetisation, commoners had to wait in long queues to collect some Rs 2000 cash from ATMs and bank branches; yet common people did not punish their ruler.

With regard to GST, the uniform tax reform, Rahul Gandhi even called it 'Gabbar Singh Tax' - named after Hindi film's worst known negative protagonist and yet people are still with Modi. They think 'Good Days' are coming and they do not mind making these small or big sacrifices !

Coming back to our subject, the demi-God image helps politics. Tushar Bhadra, who lives in Modi's parliamentary constituency of Varanasi says the 'good days' have "different connotations for different people."

Having a Ram temple built in a controversial mosque site is part of that promised 'good days' to crores of Hindus, who believed that Islamic rulers had razed hundreds of temples over the centuries and subjugated Hindus and even deprived Hindu God Ram his place in his birthplace, Ayodhya, he said.

Part of Good Days 'package' 

In many cases, the fan following actually crosses religious and caste barriers. Actress Khusbu Sundar was born Muslim but her silverscreen career both in Hindi films and in southern movies made her immensely popular.

Khusbu (screen name) retained her name and fame. Her fan following is so much that the pro-Hindu BJP is now banking on her popularity as she was given primary and active membership in the saffron party last week. If it is a risk, it is definitely a well thought out strategy by the Hindu radical party.

However, there are issues as well. If ordinary lesser mortals hail someone as 'Goddess' or 'God', the living deity has to be pious, virtuous and even virginal.  

In Tiruchi district in Tamil Nadu, fans had built a temple for popular actress Khusbu and called it ‘Khusbambigai Deivalayam’ (Shrine for Goddess Khusbhoo)' but the same was reportedly razed in 2006 following a row over the star's reported remarks on pre-marital sex.

The 'adulation' goes beyond Indian boundaries as well. Pooja Umashankar has a temple in her name in a foreign country, Sri Lanka.

But, it would be still erroneous to 'judge' the faceless Indian voters as 'naive'. They could be simpleton, but when it comes to the crux -- the same voters and fans keep aside their adulation either for film stars, cricket players and even political masters.

In the 1980s, popular film star Amitabh Bachchan was handed over a piece of paper at a public meet. The missive was very very categorical, "I am your huge fan and so are my brothers, cousins and friends. But we do not approve of your joining the Congress party. Come what may, we will not support your political line".

Such events actually throw up lessons for public figures. Politicians have drawn the same 'lessons' through bitter ways at times. Many celebrity-political stars have been humbled from time to time.

Leaders like Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee were humbled for different reasons of course.

In 1999 parliamentary elections, former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and his sons lost multiple elections in Karnataka.

That Indira Gandhi was hailed as Goddess Durga, for leading a successful war against Pakistan in 1971 did not help electorally when her popularity fell due to imposition of Emergency.

Goddess Indira and son Sanjay

The communists ruled the state of West Bengal in eastern India with iron fist and populism for 34 years but in the same province the Communists Party of India (Marxists) were voted out of power in 2011 and could not win a single seat in 2019. The Leftists are no longer important from an electoral point of view in this state for the battle of 2021. This was unthinkable even in 2011 !

Sports stars also face people's indifference. In 2015 World Cup cricket, after India lost badly in the semi final match against Australia, cricket star Virat Kohli was ridiculed for his 'love affairs' with actress Anushka Sharma.

One Twitter message even said: "Kohli misunderstood skipper's instruction... spend more time with sharma.... He thought of Anushka Sharma instead of batsman Rohit Sharma"

Kohli is otherwise immensely popular and a flamboyant batting sensation.

In November 2006, a group of people vandalised the house of cricketer Mohammad Kaif after his poor

show in the series against South Africa.

Psychologists often say, blind adoration of celebrities and successful politicians help commoners to distract their minds from anxious moments, challenges and failures.

But it is also a matter of concern that at times people who suffer from depression and low self-esteem are more vulnerable to extreme forms of celebrity obsession.
These people need medical care at times.

Yes; may be the right medical care could have saved a dedicated Indian fan of Donald Trump.  

Some snaps have stories and some stories get told and retold !!

 Some snaps have stories and some stories get told and retold !!

Just five years and in politics or in life - things can undergo miraculous transitions !

Nothing is permanent except change !! Yet people in power - often think, they are indispensable.

Now, the first snap !!

Amul political satire-messages are always very powerful. This came in 2016 after Mamata Banerjee and Jayalalitha recorded stunning victories in state polls.

Late AIADMK 'demi-goddess' is gone unto different world! 

Whether AIADMK can survive the post-2021 political hurricane remains to be seen !!

It is now anybody's guess. 

The DMK can do very well and secondly, the Hindutva politics may enter and eat up some of the political space in the Dravidian stronghold!

In West Bengal, the story of Mamata Banerjee is somewhere in debates between being 'hysterical' or 'historical. Her detractors say Mamata Banerjee may be shown the door in 2021 polls. 

All die-hard Narendra Modi fans across India are keeping fingers crossed and would want her out. The entire sickular forces, Kolkata's tabloid headline hunters and their ilk in Delhi-Noida stretch and not surprisingly some NDA constituents too would want Mamata to win. 

Of course, the CPI(M) is clueless - does not know perhaps - when to laugh and why !!

One survey says over 64 percent surveyed in West Bengal approve of Modi's performance. Trinamool's internal survey said in August - her party's strength in 294-member assembly may drop to 78 ! Prashant Kishor - may not be poll expert any more ?

Again the message is clear - the mirrors remain constant - the people and the faces do undergo change ! Mamata's fans among pressmen in Delhi and Kolkata are gearing up for vege-curries once BJP captures Nabanna! 

Kothae gelo 'fish roll'etc etc ?? Some journos used to entertain Didi with Rabindrasangeet - still said in 2019, BJP will not win more than 2 !! Modi-Shah duo wrested 18 ! 

Second snap:

Modi-Xi Jinping friendship and changing dynamics  

 Last few months and things have changed a lot. Two informal summits between Modi and Chinese President Xi now look like mirage -- far away from madding reality ? 

The boundary dispute has turned chronic and no one seems to have an answer! The one-upmanship is on rise as Chinese hands - invisible but very influential- apparently are set to sabotage Naga peace talks. A PIB accredited journo has been arrested for spying on behalf of China ! 

Where the tale would go, no one really knows ! But Chinese president has his hands full. From the food crisis to conflict with the US, Beijing is over-engaged. 

The Chinese government also has problems in Hong Kong and Taiwan. Punters say, the Modi government knows all of it - or rather some of it - and is so smiling! 

Now third snap : Amitabh with his 'dialogue' 

If Narendra Modi has been a perfect public communicator in politics; on screen - it is irreplaceable Bachchan since the 1970s - Deewar, Sholay and much more ! 

This snap above is from the film 'Wazir' and as usual the dialogue is classic ! In life you may not get a second chance; the game of chess does give one or two extra opportunities! 

'Big B' and my favourite has seen it all - success, peak of glories, failures, desperation and again success. So, whether he is going to lament his silence when everyone in town was talking about Sushant Singh Rajput's death, nepotism and then drugs ! 

My question is, which was the bigger crime - his silence or wife and lawmaker Jaya Bachchan's outburst in Rajya Sabha trying to question the very narrative that drug menace is a reality in Bollywood ? 

Is it also fair that Amitabh Bachchan should be 'punished' in the perception battle for his wife's political statement - guided by a select lobby in the entertainment industry. 

The results so far are scary for Bachchan as his new version of Kaun Banega Crorepati has failed to draw his fans before the television set. One reason could be IPL - but every TV viewer is no longer cricket fan ! So, what is the message for him? 

Long back, Amitabh was handed over a paper at a political rally wherein the 'self-confessed' fan had said - Bacchanji I am your fan but we do not approve of your joining the Congress party ! 

The snap above of Harish Salve, eminent lawyer and the quote - means a lot. The missive was for Pakistan after the International Court of Justice showed Islamabad its place vis-a-vis falsehood and propaganda. 

Of course, Kulbhushan Jadhav, who is in Pakistan custody, is yet to return home; but Pakistan's ploy has failed. Now, a Pakistani parliamentary panel says the capital punishment served to Jadhav should be reviewed. We have won half the war or more; but a neighbour like Pakistan is never the 'owner's pride' !

Next snap and subject is much interesting !

Will Indian Marxists win over Hindu voters' confidence yet again ? 

Kerala is all set for crucial polls next year. Congress deserves a win - given the five year cycle and state's tradition. But the BJP and the Sanghparivar are making noise ! 

Before the minority - read Muslim appeasement virus infected Indian communists - the CPI(M) was originally pro-Hindu party in Kerala and Congress remained pro-Christians and pro-Muslims in pockets, but but but ...... 

Next snap would redefine what has minority appeasement in ads and films done to the world of Hindus !

..... these have been a trend !! Most intellectuals and my friends in social media are silent ....being politically correct !! 
privately they wud lecture !! why? image ? or wife will scold u ?? 

2019 polls went in favour of Modi....because common people did not approve '....chor hae' ('Hindu fundamentalism' is also born due to these DOUBLE STANDARDS)

Madrasas have issues in Bangladesh and Pak also; but u cant say so in Assam !!
more ......

In Hindi films, a nice person who comes to help the hero or his family or a kid is mostly - if not always a Muslim or a Christian — In Sholay, among all the villagers, Imam says he is ready to sacrifice his son ! Occasionally Sikhs may be lucky !! But Sardarjis r also ridiculed !! in virtuous Karan Johar's movie a sardar kid is shown counting stars !

in most cases, a child in a movie is adopted by a pious Christian .... some aunty Fernandes, Bare-chacha !! where is the pious Hindu ....he is a crook in 'saffron' a Sadhu or a temple priest who connives with brigands !!
Have u heard a song, "Ganpati Bappa Moriya Pareshaan Karen Mujhe Chhoriya". 

Can we have some other Gods (meaning from other religions) 

In Deewar, Amitabh does not believe in God, questions God Shiva !! but see the coincidence, he is saved from bullets by 'number 786' 

Chalo murari ---- Sickular ban-ney !!

ends 

 

Naga CM calls for 'unity' ::: NSCN (IM) gears up for 'bigger battle', woos PM Modi

Has NSCN(IM) found itself in a quandary as NNPG is perhaps inching ahead to sign the much expected Final Peace Accord with the Government of India ???

Biggest challenge for Nagas is internal divisions, says CM Neiphiu Rio

New Delhi: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has been on a virtual dream run -- pursuing his relentless persuasive skills moving from pillar to post.

The efforts have been to build a consensus between all sections so that there is One Solution to the Naga political issue. Fresh from his consultative meeting with civil society members and other stakeholders at Kohima on October 15, Rio spent a few days in Delhi, meeting important players and movers and shakers of Indian politics. Once in Delhi, he also met important NSCN (IM) leaders and tried to pass on the Government of India viewpoints - vis-a-vis the demands for Flag and Constitution.

Unlike many including for example, NPF leader TR Zeliang, Rio has avoided hunger for media limelight as well.

At the end of the Delhi meet, he only told some of his associates and NDPP colleagues that -- "Those who matter in Delhi were receptive of his suggestions and views".

Sources close to the Chief Minister say, Rio has been categorical that any genuine peace would herald in Naga hills once there is "political solution based on Naga historical and political rights".

The Naga history has been unique and complex and thus to presume that a solution can emerge based on Kashmir strategies or the so called Mizoram prism may not be true either.

Kashmir has a different ballgame and thus the use of military forces cannot help in Nagaland. 

Rio during his stay in the national capital has tried to drive home the point that any solution should be worked out "under the spirit of mutual respect and commitment for peaceful co-existence".

In this context, during deliberations with Home Minister Amit Shah or BJP leader from Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, it was underlined that a nation and its people stand to be all the more dignified only by resolving conflicts through respect.

Dr Visier Sanyu, president of the Overseas Naga Association, put it well during the Oct 15 meet at Kohima that the Modi government in the centre has the "political responsibility and power" to make these happen.

However, there have been strong comments in the media by NSCN (IM) leadership and NNPG also.

While Muivah did not hesitate to dub other Naga leaders as "traitors", the conglomerate of seven Naga groups has hit out at him for describing other Naga leaders as 'anti-Naga or traitors'. 

"No Naga political leader till now has dared to call 14 Naga Tribes or sub tribes, GBs or other civil society as 'anti-Naga or traitors' for demanding early Indo-Naga political solution, honour and acceptable to Nagas everywhere. To tag or question the wisdom of Naga tribes and civil societies at this hour is very unfortunate," the NNPG said in a statement.

Muivah in an interview had said NNPG leaders have been conducting themselves as "traitors".

Rivalry  between rivals has been the bane of the Naga insurgency legacy. These have only delayed the talks process and also given some advantages to the centre since the 1960s to use military power.

But it is true that the tribalism and ethnic differences have been a reality too.

"We must know what tribalism has done to Nagas," says Naga intellectual Niketu Iralu. And thus concerned individuals in advanced tribes should start to take any resentment from smaller and hitherto neglected tribal groups.

Who can really unlock the deadlock that has been reached with regard to the Naga peace talks?

In more ways than one, experts say the Nagas are at the threshold of seeing a new dispensation.

Here comes the relevance of the resolution adopted at the end of Kohima meet.

One of resolutions read: "Affirmed to relentlessly work in a collective and unified manner with one voice so as to facilitate the peace process and strengthen the negotiations for early realisation of the desired One Solution in a transparent manner which is acceptable and honourable". 

Of course, this vital point has been also highlighted that all Naga negotiating groups must come together. The use of words 'traitor and anti-Naga' and an equally strong snib from NNPG shows that so called unity is far off. Naga Hoho leader H K Zhimomi has said - everyone is talking about unity when there is no unity.

But while talking unity is easier said than done; the NNPG has made it clear that Muivah's outburst that Nagas will not accept Indian constitution is like a circus.

"After 23 years of political talks, when a negotiator declared that Nagas do not accept the union of India or Indian constitution, it could only mean, political dialogue was a circus exercise for personal gains," the NNPG statement said.

For his part, Nagaland Chief Minister Rio has in the ultimate diagnosed the malady well.

The biggest challenge today for Nagas is 'division' and this is also a roadmap to self destruction, he told this writer.

The Nagas need to correct themselves; and on the part of the centre, New Delhi must review its policies towards the region.

In fact, some of it has been done by the Modi government. In diplomatic parlance, for instance, Indo-Myanmar cooperation is vital both at the ASEAN and sub-regional levels. Recently, foreign secretary Harshvardhan Shringla and army chief Gen Manoj Mukund Naravane visited Myanmar.

Naga groups are active in western Myanmar also.

Another active Naga sociologist, Rev Wati Aier says - what has not worked in the past should not be given a chance yet again. That means 'piece meal solutions' are no solution to the problem of Nagas. If keeping some tough actions against a few groups and keeping them at bay and talking to the other camps could have resolved the problem, we would not be debating the Naga issue in circa 2020. 

The statehood for Nagaland came in 1963 following a peace pact of 1960 and since then a few more agreements were inked, but the peace remains an illusion in Nagaland and some pockets in northeastern states.

NSCN (IM) woos PM Modi

"How PM Modi is going to interpret his commitment into concrete form is all that matters now" - NSCN (IM) on 'deadlock' in Naga talks

In their mouthpiece 'Nagalim Voice', the NSCN (IM) recalls Modi's August 3, 2015 speech during signing of the Framework Agreement.

The militant group, which has raised the twin issues of Flag and Constitution, said the Prime Minister had "closed his speech giving a clear indication that Naga solution must carry with it a sense of pride, self confidence and self respect".

Thus, Modi's speech on the eventful day drove home the point that the Naga solution should be "honourable and acceptable to the Nagas".

The mouthpiece also said that - "no Naga solution will stand out as honourable and acceptable without Naga flag and Constitution as these core issues define Naga people's political identity".

"Interestingly, every line of Prime Minister Mr Modi's speech was a reflection of his keen interest and understanding of the northeast, particularly the Naga issue. It also reflects the critical importance of resolving Naga political issue to help his government implement Act East policy which constitutes the heart of his foreign policy.

##

It is, however, disheartening that certain Naga political groups along with a few civil society organisations are pushing for Naga solution going down to their knees before the Government of India to accept whatever is vainly negotiated and offered san the Naga Flag and Constitution. 

This (proposed new agreement between NNPG and GoI) would be seen as committing an act of historical treachery if any Naga political groups go ahead for solution without the Naga Flag and Constitution. 

Conquering Bengal in 'virtual Bengali' style :::: Modi's Covid-address impresses netizens, detractors

New Delhi: A good leader is one who can read people's pulse, and this is something Prime Minister Narendra Modi always takes pride in. But a good orator is also someone who drives home his point - in a powerful manner - while he or she speaks only 'half truth'. 

This must have happened with Modi's unprecedented 'Durga Pujo special address' to Goddess Durga devotees in West Bengal.

"We must conquer violence with the non-violence that's the essence of Durga puja," he said. This could be an universal message, but Bengal watchers know it pretty well that this statement would always have special significance for Mamata Banerjee-ruled West Bengal. In fact, 'political violence' is synonymous with the socio-political life of the eastern Indian state - which has given icons in every field including literature, social reforms, patriotism and science.

As indications are, there would be more violence in the run up to the next year's summer polls.

Five years and Didi faces a tough challenge 

In his speech, the Prime Minister paid homage to women leaders and the likes of Rani Rashmoni and Devi Chaudhrani, and maintained: "Bengal's people have such Atma-shakti, because of which they have moved on and achieved successes in multiple sectors".

He said the eastern state will continue to give leadership to the country as it has done in the past.

Modi also pointed out at an unique resilience power 'atma-shakti' of the people of Bengal that they could brave through so many storms and yet flourished.

Of course the occasion was cultural and Modi deliberately avoided throwing up any detailed political message, but he tried to win over people's hearts by highlighting their cherished past and rich legacy of the state - which had an universal appeal and not necessarily in tune with what happens in states like UP.

At times, in the run up to the polls in various states, Modi has the habit of pointing out lapses in local governance. There are plenty of it in Bengal, but he skirted those. A vintage Modi will be in action when he directly takes on Mamata Banerjee during election campaign or even during a few earlier  visits to the state.  

Growing popularity: Moditva

Interestingly on a day, Modi made his Mahashasti speech, a survey by a news media agency revealed that in West Bengal, approval rating for the Prime Minister's overall performance has been 64.06 per cent.

Of course, this shows the deeper penetration BJP has made in a state which was long a communists' forte and the voters were also inclined towards Left-liberalism politics. True, such surveys may be a matter of concern for Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee, who around 2014 and even later harboured ambitions to be Prime Minister of India.

Paradoxically, a survey by August through Trinamool's internal channel had predicted that Mamata's party strength after next year's polls could come down to 78 in 294 member state legislature.

The BJP's poll strategists are working to a plan taking all local considerations including the ever-sensitive Bengali sentiment.

They know this well. West Bengal is not like the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, where pro-Hindu issues such as the Ram temple, the banning of beef and cow vigilantism could be the political spotlight. 

In Bengal, thus the approach has been universal - guided by Modi's pet slogan of 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'.

The Prime Minister rightly linked even the Durga puja to the women empowerment. He also gave a new term - Purba-Uday - the Rise of the East.

"Bhajpa ki kendra sarkar ne Purba-uday ka mantra apnaya hae. Purba-uday ke is mission mein

Paschim Bangal ko mahat-purna bhumika nibhani hae (The BJP-led government in the centre is committed to Purba-Uday - Rise of the Eastern India. West Bengal will have to play a big role in this endeavour)".

Notably, Modi's focus in next few weeks could be peace in the northeast and peace parleys with Naga groups are on fast track and at last leg.

The survey report also brings out a major game-changer fact of life if the studies reveal things genuinely. PM's approval ratings tops in Odisha - where 95.6 per cent Odia voters say they are satisfied with Modi and as high as 84.87 per cent of people said they are "very satisfied". 

Modi's outfit has conquered Tripura, another difficult state in 2018. Thus even for Bengal and other eastern Indian states, we are going to see the BJP leaders take up more pressing issues like unemployment, women empowerment, and industrialization. In poll-bound Bihar, the saffron party has promised 19 lakh jobs.

Voters in Bengal have been essentially pro-Left and the communists have wielded power long. Even Mamata Banerjee's politics though unseated the Marxists, it has been so-called pro-Marxism.

She also implemented Muslim appeasement rather religiously.

Thus, Modi's Puja push and saffron outfit's poll strategies rightly seek to "break the umbilical cord" between the Bengal voters and pro-Marxist intellectualism.   

The focus therefore is to capture the Bengali mindset, especially among those whose forefathers had to leave Bangladesh during partition in 1947 and later in 1971 during the Bangladesh war of liberation.

The new Citizenship Act enacted last year is a testimony to what Modi and BJP intends to achieve.

A good beginning was already made in 2019 when the BJP could win as many as 18 Lok Sabha seats from Ms Mamata Banerjee's state.

Mission Bengal 

New Delhi: Oct 21, 2020

There could be issues about the manner and content dwelt upon in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's brief and the seventh address to the nation since Lockdown was first enforced in March this year.

However, the Prime Minister's intent was apolitical. Even a well known pro-Congress commentator Rasheed Kidwai said, in his address on October 20 -- marking the commencement of the festive season in India - Mr Modi' sounded like a 'sage'. 

His missive to the nation was crystal clear, "Do not weaken the big fight against Corona".

"This is not the time to be careless, this is not the time to be complacent and assume that there is no danger from coronavirus any longer. Roaming outside home without a mask, you are endangering those around you," he said.

He was more than emphatic - "Lockdown might have gone, but the Virus has not gone". 

One missive from a netizen in the social media tried to raise a question: "I am just wondering, did people expect big news, or a big gesture... ..lighting candles and diyas or playing conch shells ... was PM's speech anti climax in content?"

Some of these queries are relevant as reports and observations from experts vis-a-vis pollution concerns in Delhi and northern states signal ominous spectre. "Pollutants can also cause a persistent inflammatory response and increase the risk of infection by viruses that target the respiratory tract," says a report in the BBC website.

Epidemiologists have cautioned that toxic air can harm and even defeat India's fight against the unseen virus. Of course, there have been no studies yet to examine the effect of air pollution on Covid-19 infection.  

Compared to WHO's safety limits for PM2.5 levels, Delhi has around 180-300 micrograms per cubic metre - 12 times higher than the global health body's acceptable norms. 

As India battles Covid19, the fight is also must against air pollution level as certain controversial practices like stubble burning remains a challenge.

According to Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, "Next two and half months will be crucial in India's combat against coronavirus". 

"This is the festival season and thus it will be the responsibility of every citizen to not let our guard down and ensure that the spread of the infection is curbed".

In Kerala, there is admission from the communists' regime that the recent Onam festival had contributed to aggravating the Covid19 situation.

Hence in more ways than one, the prime minister's address on October 20 only goes further to echo the sentiment of what has been cautioned by experts and even his Health Minister.

"The Prime Minister was extremely measured...almost sage like, look at his choice of words. There is election in Bihar, but there was nothing overtly political...," says author Rasheed Kidwai adding, Mr Modi is trying to pitch himself as a person "who understands everything".

Of course, he also says, "I wish the Prime Minister had spoken more on vaccines...".

Nevertheless, there has been certain criticism from expected quarters - Sitaram Yechury of CPI-M and Randeep Surjewala of Congress.

Prior to the address, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tried to question the government's China policy and wanted to know whether Modi would say something on that issue.

For his part, Home Minister Amit Shah welcomed the Prime Minister's televised address and said: "The safety and healthy life of Indians has been the top priority of the Modi government. In this battle against Corona, the Modi government considered it to be the ultimate duty to save the lives of the countrymen. I request everyone that the Prime Minister appeal- 'No laxity until there is a medicine' should be the mantra of your life".

Endorsing them, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted in Hindi saying, "All countrymen must accept the Prime Minister's request as this is not the time to be callous and complacent. It would be a big mistake to assume that Corona is gone or there is no danger from the virus".

"So take care of hygiene, make a distance of two yards and wear a mask. This is for the benefit of all, " Rajnath added. 

India's Covid19 response also brought economic crises!

None other than Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman admitted last week that the Covid19 pandemic was "an act of God," meaning its impacts are beyond human efforts to control.

Ajay Bhushan Pandey, a senior Finance Ministry official, told media that there would be a whopping tax deficit of US$3.2 billion and the states should borrow from the market to tide over the crisis.

However, these admissions are in total contradiction to the generally "all is well" message that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his colleagues keep sending out.

Home Minister Amit Shah in July said many had wondered how India would handle the impact of the pandemic. "But we have proved the prophets of doom wrong," he added. His biggest argument was that the pandemic fatality rate in India had been less than 2 percent.

Prime Minister had said in June end :“With timely lockdown India successfully protected the lives of thousands and lakhs of its citizens".

"The truth is, India next to USA registers the highest number of infections and deaths in the world. Worse, we register the fastest growth rate of infections in the world." - Sitaram Yechury, CPI-M

He also said --
Addressing the nation for the seventh time since the imposition of the lockdown PM Modi brushed aside all shortcomings in the tackling of the pandemic claiming the governments handling as a success.

All said, it may be pertinent to note here that the Covid19 crisis posed a great opportunity for the Prime Minister.

Post anti-CAA protest -- whatever may be the trigger - Modi was almost giving up the 'political momentum and initiatives' - he had mastered the art very well. 

By March end once Lockdown was enforced and a Janta Curfew called by Modi, people started reposing yet again faith in him to lead the nation at one of serious moments of crisis !

The Hindi word to the pandemic is worth it -- 'Maha-maari'. 

In this context, one would say while there is need to realise that although people were ostensibly clapping and showering flower to show gratitude to doctors, nurses and others; the big picture message was there was middle class and poor showing  faith in Modi's leadership ! 

ends