Frankly, it is difficult to say whether we are living in a sane world or in a mental asylum. The happenings around us do not leave margin to think otherwise. For quite some time, I have been suspecting that Corona virus has been affecting the thinking powers of some people, who need to think if they can or has resulted in bouts of insanity in many. And, unfortunately, I am right.
As it is, watching people suffering for want of oxygen and several dead bodies of young and not so young, coming out of hospitals, as never before, is heartrending. I empathize and sympathize with our heroes –doctors, nurses and other concerned personnel – who surely are struggling to save lives, while putting their own at risk. But, it amazes me how insensitive our rulers can be in allowing, sorry, contributing this to happen, as if human lives do not matter anymore in a super-populated country like ours, where one more or one less hardly matters.
We are partly replicating here what is happening elsewhere in the country. Elections here could have easily been postponed and held, at one go, in remaining districts of West Bengal instead of in phases. However, it is more important for BJP to win elections or grab power at whatever cost, than save lives and arrest the spread of Covid. History will never forget this ignominy. Readers will recall the delay in lockdown, last year, due to the preoccupation with horse-trading in MP and attempts at holding ZP elections here, despite the grim situation.
Goa had fewer cases and less deaths until quite recently, in comparison with most parts of the country. Even now, it appears that, as far hospitalization, bed arrangements and oxygen, we are better off than many other places. But still, the number of deaths is quite alarming and needs explanation. Let me credit for once the Health Minister with showing more concern and alertness than his immediate boss, who has displayed only irresponsibility, insensitivity and casual approach to such a vital issue involving the lives of Goans. Wouldn’t be surprised if after Melaulim, there are still attempts at making the former unpopular.
Lockdowns may further affect the economy, but why no testing requirements to incoming travellers, when other places like Delhi and Maharashtra have done it for our residents?. Testing was not imposed perhaps in deference to casinos from whom all the accounted and non-accounted money comes. And since casinos function mostly at night, it appears that with permission to allow 50% capacity, which will never be verified or enforced, the curfew does not apply to them. And, thus, they have the implied permission to gift Covid to Goans. The only saving grace, that too not before they detained even minors, is the postponement of exams of Class X & XII. If this was in the pipeline, could’nt the protestors be told about it?
It is clear that with protocols not being enforced, especially at casinos, night parties, elections being held, a free for all visiting Goa, this Government has abandoned Goans to their fate, with the only hope that God alone can save us from an impending catastrophe.
