The performance of the Modi team in their new term can be likened to a cricket match. This team lacks depth on the bench and grapples with significant quality issues, including members who seem less committed and motivated. Despite these challenges, they’ve adopted a strategy reminiscent of the Australian cricket team, relying on aggressive play, hype, and unwavering self-belief.
This approach has often put their opponents on the defensive, but as seen recently in the T-20 World Championships, it doesn’t always prevail against determined and fearless opponents. Team Modi finds themselves on a precarious wicket, akin to the unpredictable pitches of the Caribbean, where uneven bounce and sudden turns are common. Already, they’ve lost three early wickets without much scoreboard impact. Amit Shah, taking the crease first, fell victim to a challenging delivery caught LBW on just the second ball — an unexpected setback for the team.
Taking a more somber perspective, addressing terror attacks in Kashmir poses its challenges but appears more manageable compared to the situation in Manipur. Not since the turbulent times of the Punjab and Kashmir insurgencies, which brought grave consequences, has the Indian State faced such a significant shortfall in its response.
It’s tragic that the responsibility for this situation squarely falls on Modi 2.0, which inexplicably chose not to intervene as conditions deteriorated, especially with the Chief Minister incapacitated. Manipur is now in dire need of urgent attention, having plummeted into crisis. The stability and well-being of the North East region hinge on immediate action. Reinstating the Army, long sidelined, is crucial to saving this critical situation. Another setback was the departure of Ashwini Vaishnav, a seasoned administrator, falling victim once again to unexpected challenges, much like in his previous role.
One can empathise with him given the immense pressure of his role, which can only be described as monumental. The same can be said for our railways, often likened to an entity in intensive care, urgently requiring intervention. Similar to the challenges faced by Air India, significant reforms seem improbable under the umbrella of a sprawling, government-controlled public entity. Before 1950, India’s railways were managed by approximately 55 separate companies, collectively overseeing over 55,000 kilometers of track, until they were consolidated into the Indian Railways system.
Managing operations of an extensive railway network, now more than double its size from before, under a single entity divided into six nominal divisions, presents an enormous challenge. This setup risks frequent system or human failures, with potentially severe outcomes. Change is unavoidable, and the urgency is clear if we prioritise human lives, as politicians often emphasise. Whether through complete privatisation or a balanced blend of public and private collaboration, reform is essential to ensure effective railway management.
The dismissal of Dharmendra Pradhan, caught off guard by a fierce NEET bouncer, marks the third wicket down — a significant blow for both him and the team. A severe blow to his helmet seems to have left him incapacitated, placing the team perilously close to disaster. His future in the playing eleven and the team’s prospects hang in the balance, awaiting the verdict of time. Regardless of the outcome, the NEET scandal has dealt a significant blow to Team Modi, challenging its commitment to its core principles above all else.
The issue of leaked question papers has long been a persistent problem, accompanied by rumours of influential individuals securing unfair advantages for their children in centralised exams like CLAT. Initially, such incidents were considered isolated, with minimal impact. However, the situation shifted dramatically with the NTA’s centralisation of admissions, resulting in widespread cheating on an unprecedented scale.
The profound damage inflicted on our society, particularly on future generations, is hard to fully grasp. This divide isn’t about ideology, ethnicity, or religion, but about wealth — those who have it and those who don’t. In this unequal game, those without resources find themselves without any paths to advancement. The repercussions for the ruling coalition, which must accept accountability, are evident and could influence the upcoming state elections, potentially deepening Mr. Modi’s challenges further.
(The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
