I generally stay away from making sweeping political statements. As much as I feel strongly about many things happening in the country and the world, I limit my discussions on politics. This is mainly for three reasons.

One is that there are already more educated people, politically aware, and with a better reach, saying things that I resound with. And though their numbers are nowhere near enough, they still are significant. There is often nothing new I can say on the subject, which more qualified individuals have not already said.

Secondly, I do not see myself as a couch activist and feel like a hypocrite when talking about serious issues when I cannot do much to bring about change in society.

And thirdly, the sheer fear of backlash. I have seen first-hand what happens to you online if you hold an unpopular opinion that triggers the troll media. I honestly don’t have the stomach to deal with so much hate for the sake of a few lines which will be forgotten the next day. I wouldn’t mind the hate if I did the actual groundwork; perhaps yes, perhaps no. I don’t have a good answer for it.

But today, I am putting aside all these reasons and taking a plunge into controversial territory. Today I feel the need to break my silence. Today I feel that the rage within me needs to be put on paper. Even if my voice is insignificant and will make no real difference, I owe it myself to ask these questions. I am simply putting into words what is going through every mind around me. I am merely voicing sentiments that are paramount in every heart around me. This is not some political agenda, this is sheer anguish that I am feeling and am no longer able to hold back.

This rage, this anguish, this feeling of helpless horror that has gripped me in the last few days have raised a few questions in my mind. I have no hope of any of them being answered and yet I want to raise them.

I want to start with the simple one.

What did the hell happen? How did we reach such a dire state of health emergency in the country?

Where there not supposed committees formed to monitor the situation? Co-ordinate with state governments? Keep an eye on the increasing cases?

Another question I would like to ask is, where is the HEALTH MINISTER of INDIA? Has anybody seen the guy? Heard him? Should he be the busiest man in the country right now? Where is he?  What is he doing?

Okay, here is another one. What is the NATIONAL CRISIS MANAGEMENT or whatever name it is known by doing? Is there any NATIONAL GOVERNING BODY doing countrywide management of the Covid Crisis?

And what is happening to the PM CARES FUND?  Where is the relief that was supposed to come through that? Because the relief sure is not visible. Neither in cities nor small centres. Everyone is collapsing under the weight of a lack of necessary medicines and equipment. So where is all the money going?

What has the centre government done? Since February, every national leader has been busy with West Bengal Elections and playing petty political gimmicks while the country rapidly deteriorates.

While they should have been strategizing about dealing with the looming crisis, the PM and HM were busy planning and plotting against their political opponents,

Which brings me to the question, why a state election was given priority over a national crisis?

Was this situation any less than a war?

The ruling party turned a blind eye to the Kumbh Mela. What should have never happened was allowed to take place grandly. I don’t even want to bring up the religious angle. It is so pathetically obvious.

Why was no one in the central government able to foresee the oxygen shortage that India is facing?

Why were there no steps taken to avert this?

Who is going to take responsibility for the countless lives lost, which could have been saved?

Who is going to take responsibility for the senseless economic destruction that has destroyed the country due unplanned lockdowns?

The PM who came to power in 2014 has a long list of tyrannies and blunders attached to his name. His followers blindly keep ignoring them.  But are they also willing to forgive this monumental failure in handling the corona crisis?

When all this is finally over

When the dust finally settles

When all you are left with is stunned silence

When the last death and last breath has been counted

WILL YOU BE WILLING TO QUESTION?

WILL YOU FINALLY HOLD SOMEONE RESPONSIBLE

WILL YOU BE STANDING IN LINE IN FRONT OF OUR SO-CALLED SAVIOUR AND BE WILLING TO ASK HOW HE MANAGED TO BRING THE COUNTRY ON THE BRINK OF DESTRUCTION SINGLE-HANDEDLY?

-From the pen of an insignificant Indian who is angry.