EXCLUSIVE VIROLOGIST PARTHO SAROTHI RAY - STANDOFF AUGUST 15 DEADLINE FOR COVID VACCINE IS A GIMMICK THE WEEK REPORTS FROM LADAKH CM’S OFFICE RATTLED BY JOURNALISM WITH A HUMAN TOUCH www.theweek.in TheWeekMag TheWeekLive $ 50 GOLD SMUGGLING CASE TAMIL NADU WILL SASIKALA GET AN EARLY RELEASE? WHAT MAKES MEGHA MAJUMDAR’S

JULY 19, 2020 JULY DEBUT NOVEL CLICK

JOE BIDEN THE MAN WHO COULD DEFEAT TRUMP PLUS Campaign in the time of Covid

TRUMP Dirty tricks galore

VOL. 38 NO. 29 THE WEEK JULY 19 2020 VOL. 38 NO. 29 THE WEEK JULY 19 2020

FOR THE WEEK JULY 13 - JULY 19 FOR THE WEEK JULY 13 - JULY 19 24 44 63 SANJAY AHLAWAT SANJAY INTERVIEW INDIA-CHINA CONFLICT @LEISURE The medical system is reaching its Ladakhis caught between a pandemic Megha Majumdar on writing a political limits: Partho Sarothi Ray, associate and border tensions want a tough novel that captures India’s less than professor, IISER, response from the Army shiny side

28 COVER STORY 16 The monsoon and the COLUMNS prevailing Covid situ- ation could wreck the 13 POWER POINT state’s health system Sachidananda Murthy 20 23 IVORY TOWER Experts argue that Sanjaya Baru blindly following WHO 27 PMO BEAT guidelines will increase R. Prasannan Covid deaths 43 MANIFESTO 49 KERALA Mani Shankar Aiyar A gold smuggling case 71 BITTER CHOCOLATE that is brewing into a Swara Bhasker political storm 74 LAST WORD 54 TAMIL NADU Bibek Debroy If Sasikala walks out of prison early, she could

AP muddy the political 60 BUSINESS waters R.C. Bhargava’s LEFT HOOK 57 AVIATION new book offers a For Joe Biden, the fight against US President Donald Trump Despite challenges, template for working HAL aims for the sky and living is very personal, all-consuming and a “battle for the soul of the nation”. With his palpable empathy, he will be a tough opponent for the incumbent. COVER PHOTO GETTY IMAGES COVER DESIGN BINESH SREEDHARAN

Plus Printed at Malayala Manorama Press, Kottayam, Print House India Pvt u The rise of Joe—from a boy with a debilitating stutter to Ltd, , M P Printers, Noida, and Rajhans Enterprises, Bengaluru, and published from Manorama Buildings, Panampilly Nagar, -682 presidential nominee 036, by Jacob Mathew, on behalf of the Malayala Manorama Co.Ltd., u Bruised by the protests and pandemic, Trump is expected to Kottayam-686 001. Editor Philip Mathew fight hard and dirty • Focus/Infocus features are paid marketing/PR initiatives

4 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 LETTERS

stand towards China could wrong to call the Chinese CASH CRUNCH : WHAT THE STATES ARE DOING EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS: YOGI ADITYANATH, ASHOK GEHLOT, T.M.THOMAS ISAAC RELIGION IN THE YEAR OF THE MASK have spun the situation on our friends in the first place. JOURNALISM WITH A HUMAN TOUCH www.theweek.in TheWeekMag TheWeekLive $ 50 HOW PRISONERS ARE MEETING FAMILIES DURING COVID the LAC out of control. Look how Japan deals with

TWO FARMERS ARE GROWING APPLES As a permanent res- China. We should be like

JULY 5, 2020 JULY IN THE DECCAN

EXCLUSIVE olution looks a remote that. It is high time we came WHY possibility right now, more out of our illusions. XI IS UPSET bloody skirmishes like the K. Aravinda Upadhyaya, Li Xiaojun, Chinese State Council director, speaks to THE WEEK one in Galwan Valley can- On email.

PLUS Barkha Dutt reports not be ruled out in the near from Ladakh India should meet future. War may loom in the Why such a China halfway on BRI Xu Wenhong, deputy secretary general, OBOR Center, background, but the battle photograph? is well and truly on. I have my reservations Vijai Pant, against the photograph you On email. have published (‘The big picture’, July 5). It was gory In the case of Kargil, the and very unsettling to see in conflict was with a known a national newsweekly. Recalibrate, reinvent enemy, but in the Galwan During any pandemic, It has become increasingly evident that India-China Valley the ground situation many couples seek the help camaraderie will remain a chimera so long as the is altogether different. Here, of midwives. I fail to under- festering wound of border dispute is not healed China didn’t comply with stand the urge to publish (‘Beijing’s blame game’, July 5). To deal with the rising the agreement. such a photograph. supremacist tendencies of China, India needs to Declaring spontaneous Vismay Mathur, recalibrate, and even reinvent its diplomatic tool box action is best left to strate- On email. in a big way. gists and tacticians. It is easier said than done to boycott China S.K. Rajput, Need effective economically, as that could end up as a self-goal. On email. mechanism But to make ‘local’ more ‘vocal’ is not only a sensible I would like to congratulate option, but also an unavoidable one in today’s Once bitten, twice shy is K. Sunil Thomas for his circumstances. the saying. But, I suppose, thought-provoking article Raveendranath A., it does not apply to Indians. on states attempting nev- On email. We have been betrayed and er-tried-before economic back-stabbed several times, measures to stay afloat but we have not learnt an- during the pandemic (‘Pre- With well-developed roads road projects in the border ything. The Chinese, from carious States’, July 5). and other infrastructure areas. ancient times, were looked It not only provides the along the mountainous China has been nibbling upon suspiciously, but we first-hand account of the terrain of the LAC, China at Indian territories for long trusted them on many oc- worries of our fund-starv- enjoyed an advantage vis a now, but the incursions, casions only to repent later. ing states but also brings vis India. But, today, New this time, are deeper and We consider Pakistan as an us face-to-face with the is catching up with more intimidating. India’s enemy nation but why not economic calamity in the Beijing, by speeding up increasingly antagonistic even China? Maybe it was country.

SUBSCRIPTIONS/CUSTOMER CARE CIRCULATION Hyderabad: BUREAU ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE EDITORIAL For all subscription related inquiries Bengaluru: 040-23314168/23324692 Bengaluru: Manorama Buildings, P.B. No. 26, Manorama Buildings, please write, email or fax to 080-22247735/22247736 Kolkata: 033- 24198233 080-22867345, 22867050 Kottayam 686001, Kerala, India. P.B. No. 4278, Panampilly Nagar, Senior Manager, Circulation, Bhopal: 0755-2557937 Kottayam: 0481-2563646 Kolkata: 033-24556995, Tel: 0481-2563646 Kochi 682036, Kerala, India. Manorama Buildings, Lucknow: 0522-2341576 24198344, ext.216 : 0172-2724699 044-66918500 REGIONAL CO-ORDINATING [email protected] PB No. 4278, Panampilly Nagar, Mumbai: 022-24901331, Chennai: OFFICE Kochi - 682036. Kerala Chennai: 39495969 Delhi: 011-23354920 Tej Building, 1st Floor, Bahadur http://www.theweek.in Hyderabad: Email: [email protected] 044-66918530/31 Patna: 0612-2233809 Shah Zafar Marg, Coimbatore: 040-23314168, 23324692 110 002. +91 484-4447888 Toll free no.: 18001035981 Jaipur: Mumbai: 022-22074604, Cochin: 0484-4447507 0422-2241911/2245470 0141-2368360/4005808 Tel: 011-23354920, 23354921, 22004358 +91 484-2315745 For advertising: +91 98953 95097 Delhi: : 23359541, 23355801, 23356537 Bhopal: 0755-2431001 Fax: 43541354 Email: [email protected] 011-23379718, 23379719 0471-2328198 Lucknow: 0522-2701725

TheWeekMag @TheWeekLive TheWeekMag 85 89 99 48 69 6 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 LETTERS FOCUS

The pandemic has ment would do well to Editor Philip Mathew multiplied our troubles encourage farmers to go Chief Associate Editor & Director Riyad Mathew Pregnancy care during but the government must for rearing apple trees in a Editor-in-Charge V.S. Jayaschandran Senior News Editor Stanley Thomas overcome the effect of big way and make apples News Editor Lukose Mathew COVID-19: All you negative stimuli created by affordable to the poor. Deputy News Editors Mathew T. George, Maijo Abraham, Ajish P. Joy such a situation. Jothindra P.L., Resident Editor, Delhi K.S. Sachidananda Murthy The current economic Mysuru, Karnataka. Chief of Bureau, Delhi R. Prasannan need to know situation demands an im- Chief of Bureau, Mumbai Dnyanesh V. Jathar perative introspection and Let’s limit it Deputy Chief of Bureau, Delhi Neeru Bhatia Chief Subeditors Susamma Kurian, COVID-19, the disease caused by a Pregnant women are fearing an effective mechanism to A disease like Covid-19 will Navin J. Antony new coronavirus, has rapidly spread hospital visits. When do you bring back the economy have a major influence on Senior Subeditors Anirudha Karindalam, globally and is now a pandemic, think it is absolutely essential Anirudh Madhavan on the track within the pa- architecture (‘Space gaze’, Subeditors Diya Mathew, Karthik Ravindranath, according to the World Health for them to not skip an rameters of the democratic July 5). Office spaces are Reuben Joe Joseph, Nirmal Jovial Organization. Many pregnant patients appointment? structure. going to shrink in size in have expressed concerns, both for Women should be advised Dr Bandana Sodhi D.K. Mishra, the days to come. SENIOR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS PRINCIPAL CORRESPONDENTS Delhi: Rekha Dixit, Mandira Nayar, Hyderabad: Rahul Devulapalli themselves and their babies, about the to attend routine antenatal care, Senior Consultant (Obstetrics & On email. Many offices in India are Namrata Biji Ahuja, Soni Mishra, Kochi: Anjuly Mathai impact of COVID-19 on their health. tailored to minimum, at the discretion Gynaecology) & Gyn laparoscopic surgeon K. Sunil Thomas jam-packed, which is not Ex faculty AFMC, Pune, Srinagar: Tariq Ahmad Bhat SENIOR CORRESPONDENTS Understandably, mothers-to-be have of the maternal care provider at 12, This is the future how they should be. Also, Lucknow: Puja Awasthi Bengaluru: Mini P. Thomas, innumerable questions about safe 20, 28 and 36 weeks of gestation. Army Hospital (R & R) Kolkata: Rabi Banerjee Video-calling is a lifeline temples, churches and Abhinav Singh Delhi: Sneha Bhura pregnancy and delivery in the times of As healthcare workers we try and for prisoners and it has to mosques should be built SPECIAL CORRESPONDENTS Mumbai: Priyanka Bhadani, coronavirus. Let’s try and understand ensure all safe precautions are being Delhi: Pratul Sharma, Namita Kohli, Pooja Biraia Jaiswal be encouraged (‘Prison in a manner that it can ac- Pradip R. Sagar some of the challenging questions that taken for all pregnant women for safe Coping with stress un-break’, July 5). Digi- commodate many at a time Bengaluru: Prathima Nandakumar Thiruvananthapuram: Cithara Paul CHIEF REPORTER pregnant women are facing during this motherhood. Pandemics can be stressful for talisations of visits to jails without getting crowded. Mumbai: Nachiket Kelkar UAE: Raju Mathew, Dubai period fear and uncertainty. everyone. Fear and anxiety about a should have happened Vrinda Gopi, Chennai Lakshmi Subramanian Bhopal: Sravani Sarkar Will a pregnant woman be able disease can be overwhelming and cause long ago. When a prisoner On email. Ahmedabad: Nandini Gunavantrai Oza Are pregnant women more to breastfeed her baby if she strong emotions during pregnancy. The video-calls his family, he Photo Editor: Sanjoy Ghosh Art Editor: Jayakrishnan M.T. susceptible to the disease? has suspected or confirmed coronavirus epidemic increases the risk will be able to see all his Watch them now Deputy Photo Editors Assistant Art Editor: Binesh Sreedharan Pregnant women do not appear more coronavirus? of perinatal anxiety and depression. family members. There are The list of claustrophobic Bhanu Prakash Chandra, Salil Bera Senior Infographic likely to contract the infection than Yes. It has been proposed that the Tips to cope with stress during

bound to be more restric- movies that you brought Chief Photographers Designer: Sreemanikandan S. Delhi: Arvind Jain, Sanjay Ahlawat Illustrator: B. Bhaskaran the general population. Pregnant virus cannot be carried or passed COVID-19: tions in jails in the coming out was very interesting Mumbai: Janak Bhat, Amey Suhas Mansabdar Layout Artist: B. Manojkumar women experience immunologic and on in breastmilk, but studies are still PAUSE. Breathe. TAKE BREAKS years, for safety reasons, (‘Boxed in’, July 5). These Photographer Designers: Deni Lal, Job P.K. physiologic changes which make them being carried out. from COVID-19 content, MAKE TIME Graphic Designer: Syam Krishnan and video-calling is here are the kind of films that Delhi: Aayush Goel more susceptible to viral respiratory to sleep and exercise. REACH OUT and Chief Picture Coordinator Artists: Rajesh A.S., Sumesh C.N., to stay. one should be watching Bimal Nath C. Sujesh K., Ajeesh Kumar M., Jairaj T.G. infections which can occasionally be What can a pregnant woman do stay connected, SEEK HELP and call Tapesh Nagpal, during a lockdown, and is Research: Jomy M. Joseph Senior Researcher: Rani G.S. related to more severe symptoms and to reduce the risk of catching the helpline Photo Archivist: Deepak Joy T. On email. surely going to freak out this will be the same for COVID-19. coronavirus everyone. THEWEEK.IN The most important thing to do is to In conclusion Apples in Karnataka I hope there are fewer Are some pregnant women more at follow the advice below: We are all aware that the whole world is New Media Coordinator Neeraj Krishnan It is common knowledge such incidents in real life. Deputy New Media Coordinator Sarath Ramesh Kuniyl risk of becoming seriously unwell ❖ Wash your hands regularly putting a united front in battling against that a few owners of estates Tigin Thomas, Senior Subeditors Hazeeda Vijayakumar, Sumitra Nair, ❖ Vaisakh E. Hari, Ancy K. Sunny, from coronavirus than others? Use a tissue when you or anyone the novel coronavirus. It has given rise in Kodagu, Chikmagalur On email. Jose K. George, Justin Paul George Pregnant women over the age of 35, in your family coughs or sneezes, to a series of-queries, especially for and South Canara have Subeditors Vinod V.K., Anita Babu, Varun Ramesh Balan those who are overweight or obese, discard it and wash your hands those planning to welcome a new born successfully been growing Churchill Senior Researcher Saju C. Daniel and those women who have pre- ❖ Avoid contact with someone in their household. Since there is not Multimedia Rahul J. Mohan, Vipin Das P. apples for many years (‘Ap- connection existing medical problems, such as who is displaying symptoms of enough data to understand the impact ples in the Deccan’, July 5). The Last Word (July 5) was Executive Director George Jacob high blood pressure and diabetes, coronavirus (these symptoms of COVID-19 on pregnant women, it is These fruits are also being a reminder that the legend- Vice President, Marketing, Advertising Sales Varghese Chandy also appear to be at higher risk of include high temperature and/or a harrowing time for expectant mothers grown in a limited way ary Winston Churchill was Vice President, Circulation M. Rajagopalan Nair developing severe illness. new and continuous cough) and families. Mothers across the world near Bengaluru. once a war correspondent. Senior General Manager, Sales Hari M. Varrier ❖ Avoid non-essential use of public are anxious about the looming fear of MUMBAI It has been reported that And, that, apparently, the Resident Chief General Manager Shree Kumar Menon Can COVID-19 be passed from transport when possible coronavirus and its effects. the apple trees in Kodagu concept of psyops was CHENNAI mother to her newborn baby or ❖ Work from home, when possible I would like to emphasise to all the Regional Chief General Manager K.C. Suresh ❖ have been bearing fruits in vogue in Britain from BENGALURU fetus? Avoid large and small gatherings moms to be to have a positive mindset throughout the year, unlike Churchill’s time. Regional Chief General Manager Ranjit Kurien Again, there is paucity of evidence ❖ Keep in touch using remote and allay all fears and anxiety. They NEW DELHI in Himachal Pradesh. P.M. Gopalan, Chief Marketing Officer (North) & on this. Worldwide research is being technology such as phone, should follow all precautions to stay The horticulture depart- On email. Head, Special Projects R. Rajmohan done on this aspect. internet and social media safe for a healthy pregnancy outcome.

8 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 9 APERITIF THE BIG PICTURE

NO SMOKE SANS FIRE A Tibetan Buddhist monk lights a ceremonial fire on the terrace of a small monastery in Dharamshala to mark the 85th birthday of the Dalai Lama on July 6. The Indian government is considering a proposal to send a strong message to China by conferring Bharat Ratna on the Dalai Lama, who has been leading the exiled Tibetan government in India for 61 years.

PHOTO BY AP

10 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY19, 2020 • THE WEEK 11 APERITIF

POWER POINT SACHIDANANDA MURTHY POINT BLANK MILESTONES

GIGI’S FEAT Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon created a new appearances record Administer sans minister It is like a batting tactic. It is in Serie A, Italy’s top football league, not the same on all pitch- with his 648th appearance on July 4. es. You play differently on AC Milan great Paolo Maldini held the he phrase ‘group of ministers’ is anath- protective gear and other medical equipment, slower pitches. You play record previously. ema to the govern- transportation of goods and people, protection of differently when it turns, Tment, as it was a much ridiculed tool migrant labourers, supply of food grains and other and you play differently of decision-making in the essential commodities, community messaging when it is flat. government. In the decade-long rule of the and propping up industries. Members included Sourav Ganguly, Congress-led United Progressive Alliance, the heads of large public-sector companies like the BCCI president, on the fight GoMs were constituted on every third important Food Corporation of India, Indian Oil Corporation,

SALIL BERA SALIL against Covid-19 subject before the cabinet. , till National Housing Bank, Employees Provident he became president, headed the most number Fund, and National Highways of GoMs; fellow ministers frequented his offices Authority of India and various port trusts. It is very easy coming after M.S. Dhoni and in different ministries. The secretaries would coordinate among them- think, well, I have got to be like Dhoni. I have CARE GETS LARGER When Modi did constitute these groups—for selves and consult with ministers only on policy got to be this calm, calculated finisher, cool The 10,000-bed Sardar Patel Covid inter-ministerial issues that needed to be sorted issues. Officials deputed from the Prime Minis- ice man. Virat Kohli could never be the cool ice man. Care Centre and Hospital (SPCCCH) out—they were given complicated names to ter’s Office would give the final green light after Nasser Hussain, at the Radha Soami Satsang Beas in avoid the acronym GoM. One popular title was consulting with P.K. Mishra, principal secretary to former England cricket captain Delhi, one of the largest Covid care ‘alternative mechanism’, but the names kept the prime minister. So there was a sense of quicker facilities in the world, was inaugurat- changing. A ministerial decision-making. Diplomacy does not work on hospitality or ed on July 5. The Indo-Tibetan Border group headed by Home These committees also friendly rapport. Diplomacy works on lever- Police is the nodal agency operating Minister Amit Shah to created the framework for age—who does what for who. China offers the SPCCCH. decide on disinvestment the 020 lakh crore economic cheap and reliable factories for the world. is called Air India-Specific stimulus package and the India does not (yet). Alternative Mechanism. But slew of reforms announced Chetan Bhagat, its recommendations need by Finance Minister Nirmala author to go to either the cabinet Sitharaman. Some ministers or the cabinet committee wanted to announce measures The BJP is the LeBron James of election on economic affairs, as it relating to their sectors, but management and organisational agility. By PTI happened during the UPA they were advised that it would comparison, we look like dilly-dallying dilet- government. be better if a single minister tantes. It is an asymmetrical war. Exams, tests, none of it ever Sanjay Jha, made any sense to me. I But, when the Covid-19 outbreak and the announced the whole package. Fellow ministers Congress leader would say average or below LIGHT RIVER subsequent lockdown called for large-scale co- could take ownership by organising a big event to average was where I usually A team of Israeli researchers ordination among ministries, a group of minis- implement the decisions involving their ministries. I watch my films almost daily. I make several sat…. I have done 10th and achieved the phenomenon of ters was constituted under the chairmanship of Thus, Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi could organise notes about how to improve. [My notes] keep 12th, that is more than “branching flow” of light, where Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. The group met a big virtual function to launch the privatisation on changing, which means I am evolving as enough for me, and that is light appears to “flow” like a river or regularly in the initial weeks of the lockdown to of coal mining, which was attended by Prime an actor. about it. branch out like a tree. The discovery, solve complex issues. Minister Modi. Abhishek Bachchan, Padukone, achieved by passing a laser through a But the frequency of the meetings came down The slew of reforms put a heavy load on the actor actor soap bubble, has implications in the as there were fewer issues to consider as the legislative affairs department of the law ministry, study of relativity. lockdown progressed, and also because another which had to quickly vet the drafts of ordinances governmental mechanism took over. Instead issued by President Ram Nath Kovind and several WORD PLAY of burdening ministers with routine subjects, new rules which were gazetted. It is to be seen how the cabinet secretariat and the Prime Minister’s this new system to tackle the fallout from health NASA researchers are now investigating the potential of employing mycoarchitecture to build habitats in Mars and the moon. Mycoarchitecture refers to the architectural practice of design- Office set up 10 committees of secretaries of and economic emergencies would redefine the ing buildings out of mycelia—the vegetative part of a fungus. In the right conditions, mycelia ministries. These committees were tasked with minister-bureaucrat relationship in a government can be coaxed to make building blocks. Who knows, the future could be that of fungal homes. specific issues like ensuring availability of drugs, dominated by Modi’s power and persona.

ILLUSTRATION BHASKARAN [email protected]

12 THE WEEK •JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 13 APERITIF PARTY SNACKS

COST NO BAR Maharashtra is facing a severe funds crunch, according to the government. Every now and then, there are reports of the state planning various cost cutting measures. However, the education department does not seem to be affected. It has cleared the decks to buy a new Toyota Innova Crysta for Education Minister Varsha Gaikwad, at a cost of around 023 lakh. Soon, Gaikwad will be zooming in and out of Mantralaya in her brand new SUV.

SON OF THE FOREST Dressing up for an occasion sometimes goes a little too far. Last week, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar inaugurated an urban forest in Delhi and donned a leaf green kurta in honour of the occasion. But, he would have blended into the rain-nurtured foliage had it not been for his bright pink waistcoat.

ILLUSTRATIONS JAIRAJ T.G.

PRAISE TO PLASMA Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal faced criticism for the alleged mishandling of the Covid-19 situation, giving Union ONLINE INITIATIVE SETTING AN EXAMPLE Home Minister Amit Shah an opportunity Former chief election commissioner of India Navin Chawla A viral video featuring to step in and undermine his leadership. has been entrusted with an unenviable task—being the Deputy Speaker Padma Rao could Now, he is looking for redemption, by election officer for the pending elections of office-bearers for serve as an effective educational tool highlighting his government’s initiatives the notorious Delhi and District Cricket Association. DDCA to convey the importance of wearing in making plasma therapy available. Delhi ombudsman Justice (retd) Deepak Verma had ordered masks. The video shows Rao, who recently set up the country’s first plasma elections to the vacant posts of president and treasurer in recently tested positive for Covid-19, bank. Kejriwal has now launched a major March. A Delhi High Court order on June 17 set a deadline participating in an event without publicity drive for plasma therapy; he is of six weeks. Chawla, who is over 70, cannot step out of his wearing a mask. When a minister personally calling up people who have home despite the easing of restrictions as the government offered him a mask, he took it, stuffed recovered from Covid-19, and is urging has advised those above 65 to stay at home. But, he has set it in his pocket and walked away them to donate plasma. the ball rolling by holding videoconferences with DDCA laughing. A perfect example of what officials and his aides. not to do.

14 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 15 MAHARASHTRA COVID-19 Besieged and vulnerable The unrelenting Covid-19 situation coupled with the monsoon could be too much to handle for Maharashtra’s strained health infrastructure

BY POOJA BIRAIA JAISWAL

ON JULY 1, Maharashtra Chief rosis and dengue from those with Minister Uddhav Thackeray went Covid-19,” says Dr Harshad Limaye, to Pandharpur, a pilgrimage town internal medicine specialist at Nana- in Solapur district, with his wife vati Hospital in Mumbai. “We are and son Aditya, minister of tourism also expecting a few cases of swine and environment. It was Ashadhi flu. The already acute bed-availabili- Ekadashi, a holy day for Hindus. ty crisis might worsen anytime now.” Thackeray prayed for a miracle that After a steep spike in cases during would help not just Maharashtra— Unlock 1, the chief minister decided the Indian state worst affected by to restrict movement in Mumbai. The Covid-19—but the whole of mankind police imposed a new rule asking to get rid of the pandemic. Later, he citizens to move only within a 2km reiterated this sentiment on Twitter, radius from their homes; only of- saying that man was down on his fice-goers were exempt. The sudden knees and there was no cure for the enforcement of the rule caught many disease, yet. unawares and evoked strong reac-

The chief minister, who had in tions from those who were fined and PTI the past maintained that the state had their vehicles seized. was doing extremely well in its fight The Congress and the Nationalist against Covid-19 and assured people Congress Party—partners in the rul- were not being taken into confidence SEEKING DIVINE INTERVENTION Most experts and health activ- of Jan Swasthya Abhiyan’s Mumbai victory over the virus, showed the ing alliance—expressed displeasure by the chief minister, Pawar met Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and ists agree that Mumbai’s Covid-19 chapter. “Covid-19 patients from first signs of fatigue and resignation that ministers from the allies, includ- Thackeray and the periphery block- wife, Rashmi, at Lord Vithal-Rukmini numbers have stabilised to an extent these areas are coming to the city’s with his entreaty for divine inter- ing Home Minister Anil Deshmukh ade in Mumbai was withdrawn. But, Temple at Pandharpur in Solapur over time. But, the relentless rise in hospitals and testing facilities. So one vention. As of July 5, over two lakh of the NCP, were not kept in the loop the chief minister was adamant that cases in the Mumbai Metropolitan cannot actually say that Mumbai has people had been infected in Maha- by the chief minister’s office before strict restrictions were needed in the Region (MMR) is adding to the city’s gotten over the pandemic unless the rashtra and close to 9,000 had died. asking Mumbai Police to enforce the corporations neighbouring Mumbai. nurses kept working for 12 hours at case load. These fringe towns, which other corporations, too, report a de- With over 84,000 cases, Mumbai blockade. Similarly, a 10-day lock- Meanwhile, shortage of health a stretch, despite their protests. The include Navi Mumbai, Mira-Bhayan- crease in numbers. Right now, there accounted for 41 per cent of the total. down was imposed in Thane, despite care personnel is leading to extreme government continues to face staff dar, Ulhasnagar, Kalyan Dombivli, seems to be a lack of coordination The heavy showers in the state’s a difference of opinion between working conditions. “There is burn- shortage and many have to work for Thane, Ambernath, Badlapur and between MCGM (Municipal Corpo- Konkan regions could compound Housing Minister Jitendra Awhad of out and confusion among civilians inhuman hours. IAS officers alone Bhiwandi, have contributed over ration of Greater Mumbai) and the the problem as monsoon-related the NCP and the Shiv Sena’s Eknath and frontline workers,” said Swati cannot manage Mumbai, especially 15,000 cases so far. “These towns do eight other corporations of the MMR, illnesses would overload the already Shinde, minister for urban devel- Rane, vice president, Clinical Nurs- when those in the wards have no idea not have the infrastructure to fight which share boundaries and depend strained health infrastructure. “Our opment and public works. After ing and Research Society. “I know of what to do.” A structure is lacking and a pandemic,” says Brinelle D’Souza, so much on each other for human biggest worry is how we will differ- ministers from the NCP complained a nursing hostel in Mumbai where decentralisation is the need of the assistant professor at Tata Institute resources.” entiate those with malaria, leptospi- to party chief Sharad Pawar that they bouncers were sent to ensure that hour, she adds. of Social Sciences, and co-convener In a bid to get a grip on the situa-

16 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 17 MAHARASHTRA COVID-19

tion, the government deputed four no manpower,” says Kunte. “They Another important initiative has n INTERVIEW Has Maharashtra entered the There have been instances of over- IAS officers with medical back- (doctors) ask for a lot of money to been Project Platina—a convalescent community transmission phase? charging in private hospitals. grounds as municipal commission- serve and we are asking corporations plasma therapy trial, which will be No. We are far from it. When com- This situation existed about a month ers. Sudhakar Deshmukh, municipal to pay up to 01.10 lakh, instead of the free of cost in 17 medical colleges munity transmission starts, you will back; we were fighting it. Today, 80 commissioner of Panvel Municipal 075,000 per month stipulated by the across the state—launched by the see geometric progression; 6,000 per cent beds have been taken over. Corporation (PMC), told THE WEEK National Health Mission. That is the chief minister on June 29. will become 12,000 the next day and We have also got auditors now in that 90 per cent of the infections in only way.” Even as Mumbai continues to 12,000 will become 24,000. Also, in each hospital , looking at their billing PMC were from Mumbai. “Residents On July 4, the cabinet secretary report over 1,000 cases a day, there community transmission, one is not section. We also have a complaints here go to Mumbai for work and held a meeting in which he stat- is a silver lining. Dharavi, which was able to trace the index cases. But mechanism in place and as a result Ajoy Mehta catch the infection because of lack of ed that the fatality rate should be once a Covid-19 hotspot, reported principal adviser to the chief today, we are able to trace the index we filed an FIR against the CEO of a social distancing and spread it here,” brought down to 1 per cent. Mum- significantly fewer cases at the start minister, Maharashtra cases and that, too, in containment very renowned hospital in Mumbai for he says. Seven of the nine municipal bai’s fatality rate is close to 6 per of July. The load has now shifted from zones and hotspots. overcharging patients. This is the first corporations in the MMR are now in cent; the state average is 4.49 per the slums to the city’s high-rises as of its kind in the country. We have lockdown and the Brihanmumbai cent and the national average is 2.9 residents step out of their homes and The opposition has alleged that conveyed very strongly that we need Municipal Corporation (BMC) is per cent, according to the Medical get house help back in. For instance, Fatality the government is underreporting everybody’s support during this crisis. hoping to build giant Covid-19 care Education and Drugs Department, housing complexes in the city’s D deaths. And if you support us voluntarily it is facilities on the city’s periphery. Maharashtra. Ward, which includes “posh” local- rate is high Covid-19 deaths must be notified fine, else we have the backing of the Additional chief secretary, S.J. The BMC had already come up ities such as Malabar Hill, Gamdevi under the Epidemic Act, which was law. Kunte, who is in charge of tackling with a nine-point strategy—Save and Nepean Sea Road, witnessed a because of not done in the rush of things when Covid-19 in the MMR, says that this Lives—on June 30 to reduce Cov- surge in cases in June. we started. Our people were involved The 80:20 bed ratio was confusing situation was expected because id-19 fatality. It includes closer mon- To make things worse, even urbanisation in saving lives and that did not get re- and many hospitals came out with of the unlocking and restarting of itoring of critical patients, including as people desperately try to save ported. So, all figures were reconciled their own versions of it. local trains to passengers for video surveillance by heads of units their loved ones, private hospitals BY POOJA BIRAIA JAISWAL over the state. Yes, the death rate At the start, we converted essential services. “Now, the point and heads of hospitals, among other continue to charge a premium went up, but at least we have told the government hospitals across the is to trace, track and test cases and aspects.”The number of positive for hospital beds and present the AJOY MEHTA, a 1984-batch IAS of- people the truth. state into Covid-19 hospitals. Then minimise the spread,” he says. “We cases are declining, but the city’s patient’s families with exorbitant ficer was at the helm of the Covid-19 we made the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule are trying to manage, but we have ICUs remain largely full,” says Dr bills. This has not gone unnoticed response in Maharashtra as the chief The state’s fatality rate is very high insurance applicable to everybody—12 Om Shrivastav, member of the state and, on July 4, Santacruz police secretary. After his term ended on in comparison with the national crore people. Thousands of private Covid-19 task force. “In the next few registered an FIR against Nanavati June 30, Chief Minister Uddhav Thac- rate. hospitals and 900 procedures came IN ALL WEATHERS keray created a new post—principal under that umbrella. But, hospitals Health workers at a containment weeks, we will know how effective it Hospital for allegedly charging 02 The rate is high because we are zone at Malad in Mumbai (Save Lives) is.” lakh per bed per night. adviser to the chief minister—to keep undeniably the most urbanised state were not ready to treat patients at him on board. Mehta talks to THE and Mumbai has the highest level of insurance rates. That is when we WEEK about the state’s fight against urbanisation. And unfortunately this asked for 80 per cent of their beds Covid-19 and why private hospitals disease has been an urban phenom- for treatments covered under the continue to overcharge patients. Edit- ena. Social distancing in public trans- insurance. While some hospitals ed excerpts: port is not possible today. The trains offered 80 per cent of the 10 per cent in Mumbai carry 6,000 passengers. charity beds, others showed some What is your take on the Covid-19 Our offices, shops, sabzi mandis... beds to be unoperational. situation in Maharashtra? There are we have just not thought about social [We said] that we will send a over two lakh cases now. distancing. It is a new concept and it person and count all the beds, In one line, we are very much in will take time to put all these things in and I want 80 per cent of the total control. Yes, there are some hotspots place. Our work ethics, social ethics beds available. So, to counter this, where we are working to bring down and a lot of things will have to change. hospitals began overcharging with, the number of cases. But, in most for example, personal protective places we have plateaued. I would Is the state nearing a second peak? equipment costing 010,000 and other not say it is coming down, because Monsoon tends to lower your consumables. So then we fixed charg- we are also opening up. As you open immunity and brings along certain es of PPE and said we could supply up, there is bound to be an increase. diseases, including dengue and them to the hospitals, too, and asked But the increase should be within the malaria. So we are now making huge them to display the rates on a board control of your health system. Today efforts to keep monsoon-related outside. So as hospitals came up with our health system is not swamped [as] illnesses in control. Because a new things, we [stepped in]. our reopening is calibrated. We are combination of these with Covid-19 For the full interview,

PTI building health infrastructure, too. will become deadly. log on to www.theweek.in

18 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 19 WEST BENGAL COVID-19 Imperfect prescription Experts question the efficacy of measures like home quarantine and argue that blindly following WHO guidelines will continue to drive up the number of Covid deaths in India

BY RABI BANERJEE

SWAPAN GHOSH chose to run tion after his test results came back a small sweet shop in Kolkata, positive. Ghosh’s worried customers although he was from Singur in are now trying to get themselves Hooghly district, one of the most tested. fertile regions in West Bengal. The Back in Singur, Ghosh’s family has 55-year-old, however, had to shut no clue about how he contracted the his shop and return to his village infection. His wife and two children following the nationwide lockdown are inconsolable. “We will help the TOUGH TIMES imposed on March 26 to tackle the family financially if required. They A health worker collects swab are already getting free ration,” said Covid-19 pandemic. He was back in sample of a business a few weeks later, after Chief Mahadeb Das, block president of the woman for Minister Mamata Banerjee permitted Trinamool Congress. He said infec- Covid-19 testing

the reopening of shops, especially in tions were going up in Singur. “All in Kolkata PTI Kolkata. are caused by migrant workers. We When the unlock process began, are finding it hard to stop the disease Kolkata residents perhaps let down from spreading,” he said. for it,” said a family member. tion, said the corporation did not in Barrackpore. As her condition WHO-approved international their guard. From pakora joints Seventy-year-old Prashanta Bose His family blames the system want to put its staff at risk. “There are deteriorated, she was sent to Kolkata. journals like gospel truth, without as- to paani puri stalls, all shops were (name changed on request) from which, it feels, has made the detec- rules for handling such bodies. The But when the patient reached the city sessing their impact across different crowded. Ghosh’s shop, too, was Amherst Street in Central Kolkata, tion of Covid-19 a complex issue. blood report was more urgent,” he hospital, she was sent back. Her son, geographic locations. “The ICMR was packed. A few days after reopening too, fell ill around the same time. His “Although he had a cough and said. Now the entire Bose family is Biswajit De, made an emotional ap- under tremendous pressure from his shop, he started having intermit- family consulted a local doctor, who shortness of breath, he never thought being tested and have been placed peal to the health department to save Central and state governments to tent fever, cough and cold. On June came wearing personal protective of getting tested as no one thought he under quarantine for 14 days. Also, his mother; she was admitted to a act. But science cannot function like 30, a local doctor asked him to get equipment. “He gave some medi- could contract the infection. Even the tests are being intensified in the area private hospital after the department that,” said Nandy. Calling the home tested for Covid-19. Ghosh got him- cines and ordered a Covid-19 test,” local doctor who treated him was not near the Bose residence. intervened. quarantine destructive, he said such self tested at a Covid-19 hospital on said Bose’s nephew. The family con- sure that he had Covid-19. But we got Despite the precautions adopt- “It is pathetic and careless. We methods accentuated the spread of July 2 and died the next day, before tacted Calcutta Medical College, the worried as he came wearing PPE,” ed by the corporation and health are facing a grave situation,” said Dr the virus in India. “The ICMR failed the results came. As the hospital nearest testing facility. Bose took the said Bose’s nephew. officials, people are dying at homes Amitava Nandy, former adviser to the to understand that what is good in did not issue a death certificate, his test on June 29 and, like Ghosh, died Corporation authorities came to and families are finding it tough to Indian Council of Medical Research Europe may not be good for India, body could not be cremated. As the the next day, while waiting for the take the body away for cremation on get death certificates and a slot in the and former consultant to the World where common people are not morgues were full, it was kept in his results. The family could not find a July 2, after the test results returned morgue. On July 4, a 72-year-old resi- Health Organisation. that much literate,” he said. “Also, it shop. Corporation officials took the morgue; they kept the body in a hired positive. Atin Ghosh, deputy mayor dent of Sodepur in North 24 Parganas Nandy said the ICMR was fol- brought technology and kits without decomposed body away for crema- ice cream freezer. “We paid 020,000 of the Kolkata municipal corpora- district was admitted to a hospital lowing guidelines prescribed by standardising them to suit India’s

20 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 21 WEST BENGAL COVID-19 IVORY TOWER SANJAYA BARU geographical situation. So we had bad kits and bad methods of testing and then bad methods of safety. Everything went against us.” Nandy said the Central and state Trade is also strategic governments tried to reap political benefit out of the situation, and some businessmen made huge profits. alking about his recent book on his tenure at Schelling told a US Congressional committee “While the governments wanted the White House, former United States na- on trade and national security way back in 1971: to downplay the epidemic by not Ttional security adviser John Bolton told an “Aside from war and preparations for war, and oc- circulating enough information, Indian journalist that he disagreed with President casionally aside from migration, trade is the most many companies started producing Donald Trump focusing far too much on bilateral important relationship that most countries have fake safety kits and masks,” he said. trade issues and not enough on larger strategic with each other.... Trade is what most international He said the rushed declaration of a issues with India. This distinction is an old fudge relations are about. For that reason, trade policy is vaccine was yet another example of that both the tribes of economists and foreign national security policy.” the ICMR allowing itself to be put policy experts indulge in. Every now and then we Schelling’s views have been echoed over the

under pressure. PTI are reminded that while the US State department years across Washington DC. The White House According to Nandy, because of wants better relations with India, the US Trade has used the USTR to browbeat friend and foe. In BREAKING THE CHAIN the inadequate preventive measures, Kolkata Municipal Corporation workers Representative (USTR) marches to a different the 1980s, Japan was the target. Today, it is China, patients are dying and hospitals are any given time. WHO-empanelled sanitise their hands after putting the body tune. India and many other trade partners. So, Bolton running out of beds, forcing people molecular virologist Partho Sarathi of a dead Covid-19 patient in a vehicle This distinction that keeps trade policy in one is making much of a muchness criticising Trump to get treated at home. “How can Roy said only 5 per cent of Covid-19 silo, and foreign policy and strategic ties in an- for doing what many of his predecessors have such infectious patients be treated patients would require critical care they fail to provide treatment to such other is mirrored even on the done—weaponise trade. What is at home? They are bound to infect in hospitals. “It is disheartening that a big number.” Indian side. In New Delhi, the amusing is that so many Indian others, including children and the the government is finding it hard to That fear was perhaps the reason partitioning is made complete apologists for US action contin- elderly who have comorbidities,” he give such a small number of people why Prime Minister Narendra Modi by the fact that the Indian Ad- ue to peddle the argument that said. proper hospital facilities,” he said. extended the free ration scheme ministrative Service runs trade while the White House and the Nandy said the way Ghosh and Nandy said the government had till November. The Centre has also policy while the Indian Foreign US state department want good others died showed that people missed the . “Yes, only five per offered other freebies such as direct Service runs foreign policy. relations with India, the USTR is were being forced to conceal the cent would require hospital care,” money transfer worth 01,000 crore When a certain former prime such a bloody-minded fellow. disease. “They are afraid of being he said. “Today, the rate of infection and free cooking gas cylinders for minister wanted to post an IFS For good or bad, political and stigmatised,” he said. “Even doctors is around 15 per cent. But when it people below poverty line. After officer as India’s ambassador to economic relations between cannot enter their apartments after reaches 70 per cent, that 5 per cent Modi’s announcement, Mamata said the World Trade Organization, countries do get inter-twined. coming back from duty. Covid-19 has will be a big number. The Central and she would extend the free ration the IAS killed the proposal with China was a beneficiary of a become a social curse in Bengal and state governments fear that such a scheme till June 2021. But the West a ton of files. On the other hand, diplomats have mounting trade surplus with India during the perhaps in many other states.” situation will hit them politically if Bengal government is already finding often complained about the insularity of the trade pre-Xi Jinping period when the political relation- Covid-19 numbers in West Bengal it difficult to fund its ambitious bureaucracy that prevents closer relations with the ship was improving. As the political relationship have been rising steadily, although schemes. Finance Minister Amit US. deteriorated, trade ties, too, took the hit. The theory the number of tests remained low Mitra said the Modi government had The current stand-off with China and the new that trade can buy peace was dumped long ago and at 5,000 tests per million people. The return of not given West Bengal even “a single policy of atmanirbharta has forced the govern- China’s deteriorating relations with all its major The return of migrant workers has rupee” to tackle Covid-19. “What ment of India to wipe out this distinction between trade partners goes to show that money cannot buy added to the crisis. Random rapid migrant workers they are saying is untrue. We have trade policy and foreign policy. Even so, the ideo- love. antibody tests done in and around has added to the had to arrange our own money to logical diehards among both economists and for- As for the US-India relationship, the media has Kolkata have shown an infection rate fight the pandemic,” said Mitra. eign policy analysts remain critical of blurring the reported that India’s External Affairs Minister S. of 14 per cent. The conclusion is that crisis. Random Government sources, however, distinction. Those who remain sceptical of taking Jaishankar has been receiving reassuring phone asymptomatic patients must have rapid antibody tests indicated that money would not a tough view on trade with China, as a response to calls from Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state, infected the people at home during done in and around be a problem for Mamata’s grand China getting tough on border issues and political in the context of the spat with China. It would be the lockdown, including the elderly schemes, especially with assembly relations, would do well to read the views of the equally helpful if New Delhi also received reas- and the vulnerable. Experts said Kolkata have shown elections due in 2021. “We have Nobel Prize-winning economist Thomas C. Schell- suring calls from the USTR, Robert Lighthizer. As the government failed to announce an infection rate of no shortage of food, as we buy rice ing who deployed game theory in defining nuclear George Bernard Shaw’s Eliza Doolittle told Freddy basic information like the lists of directly from farmers,” said Food deterrence. Eynsford-Hill, “Do not talk of love, show me!” Covid-19 hospitals and the number 14 per cent. Minister Jyotipriyo Mullick. “We will of beds available in each place at feed the people of Bengal freely.” Baru is an economist and a writer. He was adviser to former prime minister Manmohan Singh. ILLUSTRATION BHASKARAN 22 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 23 COVID-19 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

A/There is no easy way now. At the infection, some of the antiviral drugs time when it was possible to test and such as remdesivir or favipiravir are isolate the limited number of cases, showing some results, but these are it was not done. Subsequently, tests not specifically against this virus. have increased, but it is difficult to In India, keep up with the number of cas- patients Q/But a lot of patients with comor- es now. Also, the medical system are dying in bidities are dying, especially in is reaching its limits as it was not ambulances after cities. sufficiently strengthened during this A/That is more a result of policy pa- time. being refused ralysis and lack of planning. Hospi- admission in nine tals are refusing patients. It is a policy Q/How long will the pandemic or 10 hospitals. matter that the government would last? It is a failure of have to deal with. Private hospitals A/No one should predict how long intervention. must take all Covid-19 patients. See, it would take. In the absence of real for example, Germany. It had as high data parameters, no models have a number of cases as Italy or France been able to successfully predict the or the UK, but much fewer deaths. It course of the infection. This is not used its medical system to its utmost just a mathematical exercise; the capacity. In India, patients are dying virus is also mutating and changing in ambulances after being refused the transmission dynamics. For the same rate as it is largely invaria- admission in nine or 10 hospitals. It example, in Europe, a single change ble. So, the virus is not very lethal in is a failure of intervention. in the spike protein, from aspartic terms of numbers. Partho Sarothi Ray, acid to glycine (D614G), has made it Q/As per reports, the government associate professor, Indian Institute of Science significantly more infective than the Q/As the virus has been around for is planning to introduce a vaccine Education and Research, Kolkata virus found in Wuhan. a while, would fewer people die before August 15. Is it possible? now? A/It is a gimmick. Look at the vaccine Q/Is it now a community-level A/The virus is already low in lethal- development effort at Oxford; they infection? ity—one to three in 1,000 infected started in April, but said they could A/It is fully a community-level infec- people would possibly die. Some not give results before October. Many The August 15 tion whether we choose to call it that global reports suggest that case things, such as efficacy, safety and or not. In a recent exercise to look severity is decreasing. But this is tolerability, have to be tested before for Covid-19 antibodies in a sample anecdotal and I would not vouch for a vaccine can be given to the people. of people, around 14 per cent were it. However, it is expected that less I am more worried about safety. It deadline is a gimmick found seropositive in Kolkata. lethal variants of the virus will be would take at least three months to spreading more. get the safety data. Q/Is the virus as lethal as before? There can be some rare adverse BY RABI BANERJEE A/Case fatality rate, which is the Q/But when the virus is wide- reactions. You may not get a reaction number of deaths divided by the spread, even a small percentage is a in 1,000 people, but if you apply [the PROFESSOR PARTHO SAROTHI ing curve of viral infection. It will it was widely proclaimed that the number of positive cases, deter- big number. How can medicine be vaccine] to one lakh, you may get RAY, a molecular biologist and asso- increase more in the days to come. rate had decreased. However, that is mines whether it is lethal or not. The used to manage it? 100 deaths. So, trials involving more ciate professor at the Indian Institute During the lockdown, with very low a useful parameter only during the case fatality rate in India is around A/The nature of the disease is much people are necessary to rule out rare of Science Education and Research, testing and people cooped up in early stages. It will definitely take 3 per cent. Then there is another better understood now. Covid-19 adverse reactions. Antibodies are Kolkata, is among the several medi- their homes, the virus incubated and longer for 5,000 cases to become measure, called infectious fatality infection causes major inflammation generated in three to four weeks after cal professionals the WHO is consult- spread among close contacts. There- 10,000 than [it takes for] 50 to be- rate, which is the number of deaths in lungs, causing death. This inflam- vaccination, but it takes longer to ing for the management of Covid-19. fore, during the lockdown, there was come 100. We need to see how many divided by the number of infected mation allows water accumulation estimate safety. In an interview with THE WEEK, Ray no period in which the curve showed days it takes to reach a fixed number people. That is most likely 0.1 to 0.3 in lungs and clotting of blood in the talks about the lockdown, unlocking flattening. Now, after unlocking, it is like one lakh. In India, the first one percent, as the number of infect- small blood vessels. Drugs that can Q/A section of the Indian Council of and why India has botched the tran- spreading everywhere. lakh cases took 110 days. Now, it ed people found is still low due control the inflammation in severe Medical Research blames sition. Excerpts: takes three to four days. to inadequate testing. This data is cases can prevent deaths. Dexameth- red-tapism. Q/How is it spreading? estimated because in some places in asone, a steroid, has given good re- A/India’s legal process is not very dif- Q/What is the current situation? A/Initially, the government focused Q/Is there no way to check the Europe and the US, nearly everyone sults. It is quite cheap and, therefore, ferent from the regulations followed A/We are in the middle of an increas- on the so-called doubling rate and increase now? was tested. India could also have useful in India. In early stages of the by other countries. Safety is the pri-

24 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 25 COVID-19 EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW PMO BEAT R. PRASANNAN Perils of personal diplomacy

he fans of neither of them would approve of World War II, that frequent meetings between of me saying so, but Jawaharlal Nehru and world leaders “should not be encouraged” and TNarendra Modi have certain things in com- that “such visits arouse public expectations, lead to mon. Both have been practitioners of personal misunderstanding and create confusion”. Don’t we diplomacy, and both paid the price for being too know how A.B. Vajpayee’s Agra summit with Pervez trusting in their dealings with China. Musharraf had raised hopes and then flopped? First about personal diplomacy. It is that in The problem with personal diplomacy is that which heads of states and governments not only the odium is greater if things go wrong. As Dean meet and mingle in person, but also haggle over Acheson, who was secretary of state to Roosevelt’s matters of bilateral trade and border truce. Left successor Harry Truman, cautioned, “When a chief to diplomats, these issues would get entangled in of state or head of government makes a fumble, the red tape, locked up in round brackets and square goal line is open behind him.” brackets, and tripped over commas, colons and That is what happened to Nehru and Modi.

AFP communique prose. Issues Nehru had no foreign DESPERATE TIMES can be sorted out better, so minister throughout his term, The campus hall of Radha Soami say the champions of personal and handled much of the Satsang Beas in Delhi has been diplomacy, if the principals diplomacy by himself. He converted into a Covid-19 care develop a personal chemistry loved the company of world centre between them. statesmen, and believed he It is generally held that could talk them into making Franklin D. Roosevelt a fairer world order that he initiated personal diplomacy had fondled in his idealistic mary concern here. Many [levels of] There will be multiple waves of this because of policy paralysis. Private in modern times. He got mind. Modi has had foreign approval and testing are required to virus and the second wave is yet to bodies are using corrupt practices. Winston Churchill and Joseph ministers, but he loves to make a safe vaccine. As a scientist, I start. They are charging [too much] and Stalin to meet him a dozen times in less than four handle much of the diplomacy himself, and bask in say we should have as stringent a law there is also news of them giving false years during World War II, at times in such odd the glow of camera lights. as possible for vaccines. Q/But unlocking is important. positive reports. The government places as Malta, Yalta and Casablanca. In the pre- Both started with a deep admiration for A/Of course. But it is important to do needs to prevent commercialisation jet age, that must have been some summiteering! China—Nehru for its civilisational greatness Q/What is the WHO telling you it in a planned manner. For exam- of a pandemic. And we talk of Modi and Xi Jinping meeting 18 and for the historical struggles that its people now? ple, all offices should not have been times in six years—in Wuhan, Mamallapuram and had waged against conquerors, and Modi for A/I think the world body is more opened together. In many places in Q/How could India have done this? elsewhere. China’s miraculous modernisation and material worried about the unlocking process. Europe, they first opened govern- A/Not everyone needed hospitalisa- The Europeans, who thought they were wiser progress in the post-Mao era. Nehru saw in China a Like an unplanned lockdown, un- ment offices. And some weeks later, tion, but required isolation. All hotels to the world and its bad ways than the upstart potential partner in his plan to rouse an Afro-Asian locking is also unplanned. Take, for more essential private sector [offic- are empty. We could have used Americans, had traditionally abhorred personal resurgence; Modi saw in China a partner to shape instance, public transport in Kolkata. es]. Then, government and private them as large isolation units as they diplomacy. Their statesmen, save for oddballs an Asian century. Some sectors are open, but some are offices on alternate days. Here, we have separate rooms with attached like Lloyd George who had tried the personal Both made the cardinal mistake of believing in still closed. This has created huge seem to have no clear-cut policy. bathrooms. We could have used touch and failed, used to scrupulously leave the terms of summit-level endearment—Nehru pressure on the sectors that are open. indoor stadiums and other large dealings with foreign powers to ministers and in -Chini bhai-bhai and Modi in the Wuhan And you are exposing more people Q/Today, people are more worried vacant places. India did not enforce ambassadors. Even Lord Palmerston, who had and Mamallapuram bonding. The bottom line in to infection by causing crowding. about the cost of treatment. the pandemic laws for the benefit of achieved name and fame as one of the greatest diplomacy is: trust but verify. The comrades in Pressure should be evenly distribut- A/Only 10 per cent possibly require the common people. Instead, they diplomats of the 19th century, left deal-making China may profess communism, but their strategic ed and sectors opened accordingly. hospitalisation. Say five lakh are were enforced to target common with foreign powers to the foreign office when instincts are as expansionist as those of the Songs, There has been unplanned unlocking infected; 10 per cent of that is not a people and make their lives difficult. he became prime minister. So much so, British the Mings and the Qings who ruled the Middle in the US, too, and cases are rising big number, and India should give We still need a comprehensive and diplomat Sir Harold Nicolson wrote at the start Kingdom. very fast. Today, the epicentre has them good treatment. What hurts is people-friendly plan to tackle the shifted to India, Brazil and Russia. that we are failing to do that. This is pandemic. ILLUSTRATION BHASKARAN

26 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 27 COVER STORY US ELECTIONS

Who would have imagined that the ‘Biden for President’ cam- paign would be launched from the basement of the candidate’s home? In the era of Covid-induced quarantine and social distancing, the rituals of political campaigning are playing out from strange new locations. Instead of the big, raucous rallies which are part of American polit- ical life, former vice president Joe Biden has been conducting a series of virtual meetings with donors and supporters. This reporter was privy WAR BY to one such meeting organised by Shekar Narasimhan, chairman and founder of the AAPI (Asian Ameri- can Pacific Islander) Victory Fund, the first and only Asian American Super PAC (political action com- OTHER mittee). Present along with Biden at the meeting were high-profile decision makers like Senator Kamala Harris, Congressman Ami Bera and former US ambassador to India Richard Verma, speaking MEANS from the intimacy of their own homes. BEING FREED OF AN EXPENSIVE With the sound of Canada geese PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN INVOLVING honking from the pond in the background, Biden spoke from his CONSTANT TRAVEL BECAUSE OF COVID-19, home office: “My prayers are with JOE BIDEN, WITH HIS PALPABLE EMPATHY, all those who are scared or sick or grieving and struggling just to get WILL BE A TOUGH OPPONENT by.” He spoke about the large num- FOR DONALD TRUMP ber of Americans who lost their lives to the pandemic. “It’s infuriat- ing. More than that, it’s heartbreak- BY LAVINA MELWANI/ New York ing to think how much fear, how much loss, how much agony could have been avoided if the president had not wasted so much time in taking responsibility.”

FLAG-BEARER OF CHANGE Joe Biden has described the November election as a “battle for the soul of the nation” GETTY IMAGES

28 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 29 COVER STORY US ELECTIONS

For Biden, who on June 6 won THROWING CAUTION TO THE WIND the nomination of the Democratic President Trump takes a tour of a party in the presidential election medical swab manufacturing unit scheduled for November 3, the fight against President Donald Trump is very personal, all-consuming, and a behind Biden and has emphasised “battle for the soul of the nation”. It the importance of a Democratic vic- is indeed a triumphant moment— tory at a time when Trump might get he won the gruelling race for the the chance to nominate yet another Democratic nomination. If this were judge to the supreme court, and rad- a video action game, we would have ically alter its delicate balance. “Who to give him points for persistence, is president of the United States persistence and persistence as he matters on this very important issue battled more than 20 contenders— of the supreme court,” said Harris. some weak and some strong—until “Joe understands what’s at stake, and he became the last man standing in has supported justices who believe his third bid for presidency. in upholding all the rights that we All of his former opponents have fought for and care about and including Senators Harris, Eliza- rely on.” beth Warren, Cory Booker and Amy People know Biden by his actions Klobuchar, Mayor Pete Buttigieg and in the White House for eight years former New York City mayor Michael as vice president and as a senator Bloomberg have coalesced behind for 36 years. To many people, he is him in a massive show of strength. simply ‘Joe’ who will watch out for Biden’s last big battle was with Ver- the underdog and the middle class. mont Senator who As he says, “I’ll make sure every- has a huge following and a progres- one in this country is treated with AP sive agenda. The two have come to- dignity, respect. My dad used to say, gether, with Sanders endorsing Biden ‘Joey, everybody’—and he meant in a friendly virtual meeting. it—everybody is entitled to be treated your shoes or the president of the current and former senators, repre- economy has been decimated by the problem is the woefully inadequate All these formidable contend- with respect, be it the guys who shine hotel chain.’ We have a strong and sentatives, governors, state repre- pandemic. Many parts of the country testing and tracking, which has hurt ers now support Biden, forming a resilient safety net, and we have to sentatives, state senators, community are shuttered and businesses lie in the reopening of businesses, ham- powerful network. Biden has also reconstruct to keep us going when leaders and national security profes- tatters with more than 38 million pering economic resurgence. Polls received ringing endorsements hard times hit.” After losing his son sionals. For once, Trump—a hugely people losing their jobs. indicate that Trump is trailing Biden and support from former president “Joe [Biden] Beau to a brain tumour in 2015, he divisive force—has unintentionally Even as many cities attempt to in the states he had won handsomely Barack Obama, Speaker of the House has the character created in his private capacity the acted as a unifying glue, bringing reopen, there are long lines outside in 2016. Nancy Pelosi and Hillary Clinton. and the Biden Foundation, the Biden Cancer together all of them. food banks, and the curve has not So much depends on the vagaries “Joe has the character and the expe- experience to Initiative, the Penn Biden Center for But how will this play out in flattened in many states. Underlying of the pandemic. Will there be a sec- rience to guide us through one of our guide us through Diplomacy and Global Engagement, November, especially with Covid-19 all this is the fact that thousands of ond wave or even a third wave? Will darkest times and heal us through and the Biden Institute at the Univer- completely upsetting the best laid American lives which were lost could people be able to return to school a long recovery,” said Obama. “I one of our sity of Delaware. plans of both parties? The pandemic have been saved by more prompt and to work? Can millions of tests be know he’ll surround himself with darkest times and Verma recollected how Biden built sneaked into the country, unfazed by action and preparation. A study by done every single day? good people—experts, scientists, heal us through a the inclusive and diverse staff of the walls and borders and immigration Columbia University researchers As president, the buck stops with military officials who actually know long recovery.” senate foreign relations committee. protocols. It has become a living shows that more than 36,000 deaths Trump. But as he has famously said, how to run the government and care —Barack Obama, “He listened and gave everyone a nightmare, killing 1.32 lakh Ameri- could have been averted had social “I do not take responsibility at all.” about doing a good job running the former US president chance. And, of course, I saw him cans and infecting 29.83 lakh as on distancing measures been put in Biden is hard at work in the back- government, and know how to work work so hard during the day, and July 6, and the numbers continue to place just one week earlier. ground, preparing his multiethnic with our allies, and who will always then take that train back to Delaware rise. Trump has been anxious to army of supporters and his legislative put the American people’s interests each and every night for decades Trump’s bragging rights have been reclaim the economy in time for the arsenal to combat Trump. It is a role above their own.” just so he could spend time with his seriously compromised. His USP elections but the virus has not been he has been rehearsing for all his Biden has pledged to select a family.” was the economy and the healthy supportive. Schools and businesses life. Despite the pandemic and the female vice president, and Harris The Biden campaign has received stockmarket numbers, which now remain largely shut as governors de- inability to hold live rallies and meet is a strong contender. She is solidly more than 2,100 endorsements from lie in a shambles. The American bate how much to reopen. The main voters face to face, he has readied a

30 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 31 COVER STORY US ELECTIONS

AGE OF OUTRAGE full agenda. People protest the death of George It is by no means going to be easy Floyd in Minneapolis as Trump remains a formidable opponent. There are also so many variables like the sexual harassment everything from outreach to voter case brought against Biden by former registration, and include everyone staffer Tara Reade which could trip from college kids to seniors, from up the campaign. heavy hitters to those just entering Is there a silver lining to this con- politics. tactless political campaign? “If Joe Indian Americans, as part of the Biden plays his cards right, the death 21-million strong Asian American of the traditional presidential cam- Pacific Islander community, form a paign will turn out to be a blessing in powerful segment of the voter base. disguise,” wrote Democratic political It is the fastest growing racial group strategist Lis Smith in The New York in America and has 20 members Times. “The 77-year-old Mr. Biden, in the Congress. It has doubled whom the president derisively calls voter registration numbers from two ‘Sleepy Joe’, can become the hottest million to four million people. It is bad boy and disrupter in the media solidly behind Biden. game.” As Congresswoman Judy Chu told Smith said being freed of an ex- supporters during the recent event pensive campaign involving constant with Biden, “We are the swing vote in travel would help Biden, and so key swing states, adding congression- would his palpable empathy, which al districts, all across the nation. And was his greatest asset as a campaign- that is why I like to say we’ve gone er. “Politicians can learn a lot of from being marginalised to becom- tricks—talking points, debate and ing the margin of victory.” interview strategies—but personal The death of an unarmed, hand- warmth is something that cannot be cuffed black man George Floyd at taught. It also happens to be a trait AFP the hands of a white police officer that translates well on TV.” in Minnesota has turned the whole The latest RealClearPolitics of America into an angry tinderbox national average poll shows Biden Biden realises the importance on the climate control task force. test of presidential leadership and with riots in many cities and the with 49.6 per cent support, while of getting all Democrats and inde- “If Biden plays The fabric of America is woven has broken just about every promise demand for racial justice in Amer- 40.9 per cent said they would vote for pendents to the table for a unified with many different people and races he’s made, including during this ica. In an emotional plea, the dead Trump. It is to be seen which way the response to Trump. He and Sanders his cards right, and Biden’s challenge is to bring public health crisis.” man’s brother told America to vote strong Indian American community have created six ‘unity task forces’ the death of them all to the polls to vote blue in South Asians for Biden is a new in November to change the status votes. While most Indian Americans dealing with economy, education, the traditional November. “Biden is Donald Trump’s grassroots volunteer group which quo. Biden is beloved in the African tend to vote blue, those who follow immigration, health care, climate presidential worst nightmare, and you don’t have has several young Indian Americans American community. Prime Minister Narendra Modi may change and criminal justice reform. campaign will to take my word for it,” said Ajay Bhu- anxious to bring out the voters for Asked about a single quality which be tempted to follow Trump to the These six committees will meet toria of Fremont, California. “Even Biden and ensure a Democratic vic- makes Biden eligible to be president, voting booth, particularly after his ahead of the Democratic National turn out to be Trump’s own advisors have admitted tory in November. It has 15 chapters Verma said, “It’s the humanity of Joe successful visit to India and his many Convention to make recommenda- a blessing in he is terrified of running against across the US. Neha Dewan, a New Biden. His decency, his kindness, his beliefs which are similar to the Modi tions to the DNC Platform Commit- disguise.” Biden.” York lawyer who was previously the integrity, his caring for others. He philosophy. It remains to be seen tee and to Biden directly. —Lis Smith, Bhutoria, who is a political activist national co-chair of South Asians exhibits that empathy, that character whether Biden’s critical views on Two Indian Americans are Democratic political and fundraiser for the Democratic for Hillary, is the group’s national that is the best of us and it is that certain key Modi initiatives like the co-chairing the health panel: former strategist, in The New National Committee, is on the Biden director. “We are a national grass- character that we see in the frontline York Times abrogation of Article 370, the National surgeon general Vivek Murthy and National Finance Committee. He roots organisation that is dedicated health care providers. It’s that char- Register of Citizens and the Citizen- Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal of says the choice for the American to engaging, educating and mobilis- acter that is the soul of Joe Biden, but ship (Amendment) Act, which recent- Washington. Varshini Prakash, exec- people could not be clearer: “Donald ing the south Asian community to also the soul of America.” ly appeared on his campaign website, utive director and co-founder of the Trump is a man of chaos and cruelty; get Joe Biden elected in November,” will have an impact on the voting , the progressive Joe Biden is a man of character and she said. The teams are headed by The author is a New York-based journalist preferences of Indian Americans. group behind the , is compassion. Trump has failed every regional representatives and perform who blogs at Lassi with Lavina.

32 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 33 COVER STORY US ELECTIONS

GOT YOUR BACK Biden and Barack Obama at the White House in 2010; (below) Jill Biden wards off protesters who IN JOE, stormed the stage during a rally in March

tion. A plagiarism charge from his days as a law student at Syracuse WE University, too, resurfaced, forcing him to withdraw in disgrace. Political commentator William Schneider, who gave Biden the Kinnock tape, recently told The Atlantic that Biden TRUST had all the benefits and failings of a normal guy, which got him into trou- Biden enjoys a clear edge in the ble in the first place. “In 1988, it was a different universe,” said Schneider. opinion polls. But to win in November, “Now he’s seen as a normal response he needs to further step up his PHOTOS/GETTY IMAGES to Donald Trump, and Trump is not normal.” campaign and tackle Trump head on A few months after his disgraced tax. He overcame a 30-point deficit exit, Biden, who complained of BY AJISH P. JOY and beat Boggs, a former governor recurring headaches while on the and Congressman, who was a house- campaign trail, collapsed in the mid- hold name in Delaware. dle of a snow storm. He was rushed FOR HIS CLASSMATES at the Arch- Taming his stutter gave “the Tragedy struck a month later. Neil- to the Walter Reed National Military mere Academy, a Roman Catholic scrappy kid from Scranton, Pennsyl- ia was driving home with their three Medical Center in Bethesda, Mary- day school in Claymont, Delaware, vania”, enormous self-confidence. children after picking up a Christmas land, where doctors diagnosed him Joseph Robinette Biden Jr was Joe He was 10 when his family moved to tree when a tractor-trailer carrying with a ruptured aneurysm. He was so “Bye-bye”. The nickname stuck be- Delaware after Biden Sr got a job as corn cobs slammed into their station close to death that a local priest was cause Biden had a debilitating stut- a car salesman. Biden met his future wagon. Neilia and their one-year-old summoned to administer last rites. ter and could not even pronounce wife Neilia Hunter in the spring of daughter, Naomi, died on the spot, Two months later, he was operated his surname properly. He was Joe 1965, while he was in the Bahamas, while the two sons, Beau and Hunter, on for a second aneurysm. It took Impedimenta in his Latin class as he enjoying a break from undergraduate escaped with serious injuries. Biden Biden more than seven months to just could not finish a sentence. But studies at the University of Delaware. was devastated, but he took charge return to active political life. Biden never gave up. He worked on While talking to the Hunters, Biden as senator, taking oath from his sons’ For the next 20 years, Biden re- his staccato delivery by memorising revealed his ambition: he wanted to hospital room. He never moved to mained a solid presence in Washing- routine conversations and reciting be the president of the United States. the national capital, but commut- ton. As the senate judiciary commit- poems—W.B. Yeats was a favourite, That fire still burns even after 56 ed daily between Wilmington and tee chairman, he helped president thanks to his Irish roots—in front years, as he takes on Donald Trump Washington on Amtrak for more than with only close friends and family in finding too much inspiration from Bill Clinton secure bipartisan of the mirror for hours. He even in the presidential election this 30 years, earning him the nickname attendance. Beau and Hunter stood a Kinnock campaign video. Biden support for his favourite initiatives practised talking with pebbles in his November. Amtrak Joe. with the bride and the groom at the falsely claimed that his ancestors like the ban on assault weapons and mouth, like the Greek orator Dem- It has not been an easy journey. In Five years after he lost Neilia, altar and later joined them on their worked in the coal mines of northern the bill to prevent violence against osthenes. By his sophomore year, 1972, as a 29-year-old, Biden caused Biden fell in love with Jill, an English honeymoon trip. Pennsylvania and that he was the women. By the time George W. the stutter was under control and he a major political upset in Delaware’s teacher at a community college. “She With things looking up again, first university graduate in his family. Bush became president, Biden had even managed to get himself elected history by beating incumbent Repub- gave me back my life,” Biden wrote Biden entered the 1988 presidential The campaign collapsed after a front moved on as chairman of the senate class president, despite a patchy lican J. Caleb Boggs in the senate in his 2007 memoir Promises to Keep. campaign. He was soon caught in page exposé in The New York Times. foreign relations committee. He was academic performance. Even today, race. Biden had to take out a second “She made me start to think my a plagiarism controversy after he Soon came stories about Biden strongly critical of Bush’s philosophy most of his prepared speeches have mortgage to finance his campaign family might be whole again.” Their passed off first the speech and then borrowing quotes from American of interventionism and the neocon markings on them, showing where to after wealthy donors deserted him as wedding took place at the United the life experiences of British Labour stalwarts like Robert Kennedy and moorings of his foreign policy. take breaks between words. he was against lowering capital gains Nations chapel in New York City Party leader Neil Kinnock as his own, Hubert Humphrey without attribu- Biden’s second presidential bid

34 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 35 COVER STORY US ELECTIONS

THROUGH THICK AND THIN was in 2007 for the 2008 elections, JOE BIDEN Biden takes oath as senator at the but in the Democratic party it soon bedside of his son, Beau, in a hospital BORN in 1972; (below) Biden and former became a two-horse race between November 20, 1942, Scranton, president Jimmy Carter Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Pennsylvania. Grew up in New Castle county, Delaware After securing the nomination, Oba- ma invited Biden to be his running EDUCATION Bachelor’s degree from University of mate, which he accepted on Jill’s per- Delaware, law degree from Syracuse suasion. It was not easy for Biden as University it was the first time in 36 years that he SPOUSE agreed to become somebody’s wing- Neilia Hunter (deceased), man. But the arrangement clicked. Jill Tracy Jacobs Biden’s decades of experience was crucial to the ticket, and it played an CHILDREN Naomi (deceased), Beau (deceased), important role in convincing white Hunter, Ashley America to vote for the young, black senator from Illinois. POLITICAL CAREER Notwithstanding the occasional 1970-1972: Member, New Castle skirmishes with Obama’s ‘Chicago County Council cabal’, Biden had a satisfying run as vice president. When he was offered 1972-2009: Senator from Delaware the job, Biden had just one demand: 1987-1995: Chairman, Senate “I want to be the last guy in the room Judiciary Committee on every major decision,” he told 2001–2003; 2007–2009: Chairman, PHOTOS/GETTY IMAGES Obama. For most part, the president Senate Foreign Relations Committee granted that wish, and, in return, Biden soldiered on as a staunch 2009-2016: 47th vice president of a shambles. Going into the South Klobuchar, Michael Bloomberg and Obama loyalist, despite his ambition the United States Carolina primary on February 29, not Warren to withdraw. Finally, even to run for president one more time. many people gave him a chance. But Sanders chose to suspend his cam- In the early days of the presidency, then came the most pivotal moment paign and endorse Biden. when the United States and the in the Biden campaign. He won the With Biden becoming the pre- world were experiencing a major foreign policy front, especially on endorsement of James Clyburn, the sumptive nominee, Obama stepped financial meltdown, Obama deputed Iraq, Afghanistan and Ukraine, and senior-most African American mem- in with his endorsement through Biden to sell his controversial $787 remained steadfastly against the use ber on the capitol and a doyen of a video message. In a stinging take billion economic stimulus bill. Under of force. Interestingly, he counselled South Carolina’s Democratic politics. down of the Trump administration, Biden’s watchful eyes, only 1 per cent Obama against the raid to kill Osama After Clyburn’s emotional speech, Obama said Biden would “banish the of the total outlay was lost in waste bin Laden, pointing out that the Biden romped home in a landslide, corruption, carelessness, self-deal- or fraud. mission’s failure would cost him his Obama got up, walked up to Biden, Biden to drop out. “You don’t have winning 61 per cent of the African ing, disinformation, ignorance and After the Republicans seized second term. put his hands on his shoulders and to do this, Joe, you really don’t,” he American votes, beating Sanders just plain meanness” plaguing the majority in the House of Represent- Over the course of years, Obama said, “Don’t do that. I’ll give you the told Biden. But, like in 2016, Biden by 30 points. Biden had to wait for Trump White House. With Covid-19 atives in 2010, Biden was the White and Biden grew close despite their money. I have it. You can pay me has been convinced that he stood the 33 years to win a primary, but it completely upending his calcula- House’s face on the hill, leading differences in style, substance and back whenever.” After Beau’s death best chance to beat Trump. was worth it. The black voters in the tions, Trump is finding it difficult to protracted negotiations on budget temperament. The president stood on May 30, 2015, it was Obama who The early days of the Democratic American south knew and remem- campaign on the American econom- and debt-ceiling. He also played a like a rock behind Biden when Beau delivered the eulogy. Finally, before primary, however, turned out to be bered that Biden had stood loyally ic performance, which he hoped key role in getting Obama’s signature was diagnosed with brain tumour. leaving office, Obama conferred Bid- a major disappointment for Biden. behind the country’s first black pres- would secure his second term. But legislation, the , When asked in a CNN interview en with the nation’s highest civilian Despite leading opinion polls for ident, not trying to undercut Obama his apathetic and inept handling passed by the Congress. Biden was about his most memorable moment honour, the Presidential Medal of nearly a year, the Biden campaign even once. of the pandemic has given Biden a instrumental in convincing Arlen at the White House, Biden spoke Freedom. collapsed under the onslaught of his With South Carolina, Biden turned crucial opening. Specter, the Republican senator about how Obama offered to pay Yet, Obama has never been en- more savvy colleagues like Bernie the primary contest on its head, Biden would fancy his chances from Pennsylvania, to switch over for Beau’s treatment. During one of thusiastic about Biden’s presidential Sanders, and Pete winning 10 of the next 14 states on against Trump after having trumped to the Democratic party. Specter their weekly private lunches, Biden ambitions. He had personally talked Buttigieg. He finished fourth in Iowa, Super Tuesday, following it up with Sanders, who ran a massive digital gave Obama the crucial 60th vote told Obama that he might take out him out of running in 2016. Early this fifth in New Hampshire and a distant four out of six states a week later. The operation, and Bloomberg, who had to pass the bill in the senate. Biden a second mortgage on his home year, according to a New York Times second in Nevada. The money flow momentum was finally with him, an endless supply of money. Despite also provided critical inputs on the to pay the mounting medical bills. report, Obama tried to persuade dried up and the campaign was in convincing his rivals Buttigieg, Amy being confined to his Delaware home

36 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 37 COVER STORY US ELECTIONS

ACES UP HIS SLEEVE because of the lockdown, Biden Donald Trump on the White House South Lawn to has widened his lead over Trump. celebrate US Independence Day on July 4 Opinion polls from key states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida, North Carolina and Arizo- na, which voted for Trump in 2016, be sticking. Trump is also likely to show that Biden is moving ahead. go after Biden’s son Hunter and his It is, however, not going to be easy $6,00,000-a-year gig at an Ukrainian for Biden. His younger son Hunter’s energy company at a time his father indiscretions could prove costly. The was overseeing Barack Obama’s Biden campaign was shaken further Ukraine policy. by allegations of sexual assault by Biden is known to be gaffe-prone. his former staff assistant Tara Reade. So far, he has been spared the intense After Biden’s forceful repudiation, scrutiny experienced by presidential that storm seems to have passed, at candidates as he has been confined least for now. to his Delaware home because of the Biden, meanwhile, needs to step pandemic. But once the campaign out of his basement and tackle gathers steam, there is a possibility Trump head on. He needs to ensure that he may slip up. The Trump team that minority and progressive voters is already pushing for more debates, get out and vote. He has to consol- REUTERS hoping that Biden may embarrass idate his support among African himself. Americans and suburban white “Trump should focus on Biden’s voters. Latinos and young Ameri- Tribune published an early edition bility of a quick economic recovery vulnerabilities,” says James E. Camp- cans need further convincing from with a banner headline, “Dewey de- after strict lockdown measures are bell, who teaches at State University the Biden campaign. He also needs feats Truman”. But when the count- withdrawn. “A bumper third quarter of New York at Buffalo. “Biden has to ramp up his online presence. ing was over, Truman won with 303 recovery will help Trump sell himself been nearly absent from the cam- David Axelrod and David Plouffe, KEEPING electoral votes against Dewey's 189. as the leader who can put the US paign. Many voters have given him who managed Obama’s campaigns, At this point in his reelection economy back on track once again,” a pass since attention has not been recently wrote that Biden’s home campaign, President Donald Trump says Joshy M. Paul, international focused on his liabilities. Trump videos looked like “an astronaut hopes he can emulate Truman. The relations expert at the Delhi-based should make the point that Biden’s beaming back to earth from the THE Covid-19 pandemic and the ‘Black Centre for Air Power Studies. “Even mental capabilities have slipped International Space Station”. And, he Lives Matter’ campaign have eroded now, Americans trust Trump more over the years and that he would be needs to stop putting his foot in his Trump’s approval ratings. Most opin- than Biden on economic issues.” controlled by the very dangerous and mouth. Biden recently got into a tiff ion polls now give the Democratic Moreover, there is still time for radical elements of his party.” with a prominent black radio host candidate Joe Biden a double-digit Trump to turn the Covid-19 crisis Trump enjoys yet another ad- after he wanted to cut short an in- HOUSE edge. He is ahead in Pennsylvania, into an opportunity. He enjoys the vantage over Biden in the form of terview because of time constraints. Michigan and Wisconsin, the key advantages of the bully pulpit and is complete command over his party “If you have a problem figuring out to Trump's unexpected triumph in certain to take credit whenever Covid and absolute loyalty from his base. whether you’re for me or Trump, Donald Trump is badly bruised by the 2016. The president is also trailing in numbers start coming down. He Among Democrats, supporters then you ain’t black,” said Biden. protests and the pandemic, but trust him to Florida and Arizona, and he could could even ask the Food and Drug of Senators Bernie Sanders and He expressed regret the same day, even lose Texas, which the Demo- Administration (FDA) to fast track Elizabeth Warren are yet to warm saying he “shouldn’t have been such fight hard and dirty to stay on as president crats won last in 1976. His political regulatory approval for a vaccine. A up to Biden. “There is the possibility a wise guy”. rally on June 21 at Tulsa, Oklahoma, dramatic launch of a vaccine could of hardcore Sanders and Warren The gaffe may not hurt Biden BY AJISH P. JOY the first such campaign event after be the critical boost the president is supporters staying home on election much, because it is not easy to hate the pandemic struck, was a disaster. looking at. day,” says Paul. “Unfortunately for him. As Republican Senator Lindsay SEVENTY-TWO YEARS ago, when Democratic candidate Harry S. Tru- Despite claims that millions were A low-hanging fruit for the Trump Biden, he does not command the ab- Graham, a Trump ally who is one of America went to the polls to elect man, who had succeeded Franklin D. waiting for a ticket, only about 6,000 campaign would be to viciously solute loyalty of a base. Moreover, he Biden’s long-standing political rivals, its president, Republican nominee Roosevelt as president after his unex- people showed up. target Biden and his family. Trump has not yet been able to fully enthuse says, “If you can’t admire Joe Biden Thomas Dewey was the odds-on pected death while in office. Dewey’s Four months ago, Trump was lead- will certainly try to define Biden the Obama coalition of the young as a person, then probably, you’ve favourite. Back then, opinion polls advantage appeared so obvious and ing a buoyant economy with unem- for the voters as a sloppy, senile and the Afro Americans.” It is, there- got a problem. What’s not to like?” were a novelty, and all of them had overwhelming that even before all ployment rates at a half-century low. loudmouth, who is close to China. fore, not surprising that the same WITH LAVINA MELWANI. given Dewey a double digit lead over the votes were counted, the Chicago Now, his chances rest on the possi- The nickname “Sleepy Joe” seems to polls which show Biden leading

38 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 39 COVER STORY US ELECTIONS

Trump by nearly 10 points nationally (Amendment) Act and the abroga- show that his base is less passionate “A bumper tion of Article 370. ADVANTAGE BIDEN about him than the Republicans are third quarter As the election day draws close, about Trump. Trump could use foreign policy tools POLLING DATA (REALCLEARPOLITICS) recovery will (%) And, Trump has more aces up his help Trump to boost his reelection bid. “A flare up Donald Trump Joe Biden sleeve to keep his base excited. Using of foreign threats through China or Economist/YouGov the Covid-induced economic crisis sell himself as Iran is possible,” says Uma Purush- 40 (June 28-30) 49 as a ruse, he has imposed massive the leader who othaman, an expert on American CNBC/Change Research curbs on immigration, suspending can put the US politics at the Central University of 41 (June 26-28) 49 green cards and other major visa Kerala. A muscular foreign policy has NPR/PBS/Marist economy back on 44 52 classes like H-1B, H-2B and L till the track once again.” always helped incumbent presidents. (June 22-24) end of the year. It has been one of Trump may also benefit if countries The Hill/HarrisX the key demands of the Trump base. —Joshy M. Paul, like Russia and China launch cyber- 39 (June 22-23) 43 international relations Trump is also likely to use the ‘Black attacks to sabotage Democrats or try expert, Centre for Air NYT/Siena Lives Matter’ campaign to drive and help him with strategically timed Power Studies DONALD TRUMP 36 (June 17-22) 50 JOE BIDEN political mileage. “His reaction to the favourable trade deals. US president, RealClearPolitics Nominee of the movement has been to follow former “It is no secret that presidents have nominee of the 40.9 national average 49.6 Democratic Party president Richard Nixon’s playbook more ability to act independently Republican Party by invoking the virtues of ‘law and in the realm of foreign policy, and order’ and pushing for a forceful re- some have arguably used that ability ELECTING THE PRESIDENT sponse to protests in a cynical effort for short-term political gain shortly On election day, Americans vote for 538 electors, who meet in their respective states and vote for president and vice president. to placate his electoral base,” says before an election. Trump is not Each state gets as many members in the electoral college as it has representatives in the house (depends on population) plus senators Graham G. Dodds, an expert on US remove administrative restrictions above such tactics,” says Dodds. (always two). In all states except Maine and Nebraska, the winner of the majority of the statewide vote receives all of that state's presidential elections at Concordia that could hamper mail-in voting. Trump can also look at fast tracking electoral votes. The candidate who gets 270 electoral votes— half of the total votes plus one—will win the election. So, a candidate can University, Montreal, Canada. Trump says mail-in ballots pose the the military drawdown in Afghani- win the popular vote and still lose, like Hillary Clinton did in 2016. There could be attempts to whip biggest threat to his reelection pros- stan. He has already scaled down US Total electoral votes Popular vote up anti-black sentiment among pects and will make 2020 the most military presence in Iraq and Syria Donald Trump 304 6,29,80,160 white voters, especially if violent pro- rigged election in American history. and has reached an understanding 2016 RESULTS tests break out, and it could increase Democratic strategists are worried with the Taliban, aimed at pulling out Hillary Clinton 227 6,58,45,063 further if Biden picks a black running about other tactics such as voter most US troops out of Afghanistan. mate. The strategy was evident intimidation outside polling booths, “Trump could make a dramatic an- SWING STATES during the Trump rally in Tulsa. “The denial of funding to the US Postal nouncement of troop withdrawal just Party bastions rarely change hands in US elections. While southern states and states like Idaho and Alaska are reliably Republican, unhinged left-wing mob is trying Service which is in charge of deliv- before the elections,” says Paul. coastal states like California and New York always vote Democratic. So, the real contest happens in states where neither party has a decisive advantage. These are called swing states or battleground states and they determine the final result. to vandalise our history, desecrate ering mail-in ballots and even the Despite the commanding lead our monuments, tear down our use of the pandemic as an excuse to enjoyed by Biden, the presidential statues, and persecute anyone who keep voters away. “Trump’s reelec- race is by no means over. In July ELECTORAL COLLEGE VOTES IN KEY SWING STATES does not conform to their demands tion strategy appears to depend on 1988, Democratic candidate Michael for absolute and total control,” said cutting off channels for voters to have Dukakis had a 17-point lead over Won by Clinton 2016 results Won by Trump Trump. “They want to demolish our polling places and then sending op- George H.W. Bush. Four months heritage.” eratives and right-wingers to intimi- later, Bush swept the election, win- 4 10 29 16 10 20 Democrats worry that the pres- date and suppress voters in person,” ning 40 of 50 states and 426 of 538 New Hampshire Minnesota Florida Michigan Wisconsin Pennsylvania ident could also facilitate voter Ben Wikler, chairman of Wisconsin’s electoral votes. “Biden’s current lead suppression tactics, especially in key Democratic party, told New York in national polls is impressive. What, 2016 MARGINS (%) CURRENT LEADS (%) black areas. If blacks vote the way Magazine a few days ago. however, matters is not nationwide New Hampshire 0.37 4.3 they did in 2012, Biden is likely to Trump will also make a play support, but rather which candidate Clinton win. But the Covid pandemic poses for groups like Indian Americans wins which states in November,” says Minnesota 1.52 11 serious challenges to the traditional who have forever been staunch Dodds. “Trump can afford to lose Michigan 0.23 7.5 Biden voting system. The Democrats want Democratic voters. He is expected some of the states he surprisingly Wisconsin 0.77 Trump 6.5 to have extensive mail-in voting to use his friendship with Prime won in 2016 and still win again, and Pennsylvania 0.72 6.5 facilities; Trump and the Republican Minister Narendra Modi to draw just a slight change in people’s pref- Florida 1.2 5.0 party are opposed to it. Pro-Demo- their support. In contrast, the Biden erences could cause several states to cratic groups have been supporting campaign has been critical of Modi’s go one way or the other. The race is lawsuits filed in at least 18 states to pet initiatives like the Citizenship far from over.” GRAPHICS SREEMANIKANDAN S./RESEARCH AJISH P. JOY/ ILLUSTRATION JOB P.K.

40 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 41 COVER STORY US ELECTIONS MANI-FESTO MANI SHANKAR AIYAR

Pax Sinica: Did China-watchers caution Modi? GUEST COLUMN l CHRISTOPHER DEVINE The question arises because a whole host of former he elite corps of our foreign service are the ambassadors to China, and foreign secretaries and Mandarin-speaking China experts. It is only other China-watchers have The art of the Tthe “best and the brightest” who head the abandoned their professional omerta to thunder in China division or are sent to Beijing, and the media about the pernicious Chinese. Where were to represent India. Surrounding China, these ambassadorial hawks when Modi and China’s we have set up a number of diplomatic sounding President Xi Jinping were cooing like turtledoves as comeback posts. These too are often manned (and “wom- they shared a “lovers’ swing” on the Sabarmati water- en-ed”) by Sinologists. In Delhi, too, there is no want front? Why were they not hooting at the hype gener- of high expertise and experience, both in the foreign ated over Xi being at Xian Airport to receive Modi? office and ministries like defence, finance and -com We are now told that Xi is out to establish a Pax AT THIS POINT in the presidential elections, you whether that is from smearing Biden or obtain- merce, besides some top-class think tanks like the Sinica—an addition to our vocabulary for which we would have to say that Joe Biden is the favourite. ing more favourable trade policies for electorally Institute of Chinese Studies (headed by former am- need to thank , our most recent That is not just because he is doing so well in the important states or regions. Having survived the bassador Ashok Kantha—envoy to Beijing from 2014 former envoy to Beijing (2017-2018): “The Chinese polls. It is also because most presidential elections impeachment effort and dismissed Bolton’s claims, to 2016), the Institute for Defence dream is nothing else than to dom- are decided by a small set of “fundamental” fac- I see no evidence that Trump will discontinue Studies and Analyses which brings inate the world, become the sole tors. These include the state of the economy, pub- these efforts. In fact, it does not appear that he sees together senior retired diplomats superpower in international poli- lic approval of the current president and how long such efforts as problematic from an ethical, legal or and military men (and serving tics and create a Pax Sinica”. Did he the president or his party has served in office. For constitutional standpoint. intellectuals) and the Centre for whisper this in Modi’s ears when, the most part, these factors work against Donald The Covid pandemic has undermined the US Policy Research. during his tenure, Xi and Modi Trump. The United States is facing a major finan- economy and voters' faith in Trump’s leadership. Why then in the last three dec- were proclaiming the much-touted cial downturn, primarily because of the Covid-19 Given the virus’ disproportionate impact on Black ades, and particularly in the last six “Wuhan Spirit”? pandemic, and Trump’s approval ratings are quite Americans in particular, the pandemic also may years, were Indian prime minis- Before Bambawale, we had low. The only thing working in his favour is that he have contributed to the anger and frustration ters not warned off the perfidious Ambassador is the incumbent, and—despite Americans’ pro- expressed in the ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests. Chinese? Why have they all so in Beijing (2016-2017), who so claimed disdain for politicians and the status quo Trump has mostly focused on responding to the assiduously cultivated the Chi- impressed Modi that he replaced in Washington—voters tend to reelect incumbent most violent elements of the protests against the nese, none more passionately than S. Jaishankar as foreign secretary. presidents and other federal officials. murder of George Floyd. He, along with allied Modi, making China just about Gokhale now tells us that Xi is The best thing Trump could do for his reelection politicians and media organisations, has sought to our most important trade partner, a major source of “tightening his grip on power everywhere” and even campaign is to demonstrate effective, principled frame the protest movement not as peaceful but as investment and techno-innovation in crucial sectors, has the “chutzpah to equate himself to Marx” in leadership to slow the spread of the pandemic lawless and violent, often referring categorically to a growing tourist attraction, and even an expatriate propagating his “New Type of Great Power Relations and help unify the country on issues of race and “riots and looting” rather than protests. This shifts employment destination? And, all this against a theory”. Did he mention this to the prime minister policing. He has had ample opportunities to take the focus from racial justice and police reform to background of peace and tranquility on our borders, when Modi-Xi were sharing a masala dosa in Mamal- these steps, but has resisted doing so, preferring Trump’s long-favoured “law and order” approach. guaranteed by treaty, mechanisms for localised con- lapuram? And, did Modi embrace Xi in spite of to wish the pandemic away and exacerbate rather He thinks doing so helps him with his party’s base, flict-resolution at the military level, and 22 rounds that—or, because he thought, “What a great example than combat racial tensions. It is his lack of dis- and to some extent he may be right. But polling of discussion at special envoy level. Yet, none of this to follow!” cipline, principle, and ultimately leadership, that also shows that this response has caused many has not yielded any significant outcome on even Jaishankar and Modi became buddies when the has caused him to sink so low in the polls. Until Americans to view him as dividing, rather than the alignment of the Line of Actual Control, which rest of the world was refusing to let in Modi after he Trump changes course—and, crucially, stays that uniting, the nation at this time. In fact, his response remains to this day undefined, undelinieated and presided over the 2002 pogrom. He, there- course—I do not expect his current problems to to the protests seems to have hurt his popularity un-demarcated. We are arguing, and now fighting, fore, made four trips to China, some of which ambas- go away. among Americans more so than his response to the over a legacy left to us by the British who had cyn- sador Jaishankar (2009-2013) helped organise. That is There is good reason to believe—based on the epidemic or the state of the economy. ically followed a policy of “flexible frontiers” in the when Modi’s romance with China began. Was Modi impeachment investigation and former national AS TOLD TO AJISH P. JOY remote and virtually inaccessible northern reaches of cautioned? Did he brush off those warnings like flies? security adviser John Bolton’s recent book—that British India. And, is it not thus that it has now come to this? Trump has been and is willing to seek help from Devine, an expert on US presidential elections, teaches at other countries to aid in his reelection effort, University of Dayton, Ohio. ILLUSTRATION BHASKARAN Aiyar is a former Union minister and social commentator.

42 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 43 INDIA-CHINA STANDOFF LADAKH

charge of eastern Ladakh, including Police move towards forward areas, provided revenues up to 0600 crore the flashpoints with the People’s Lib- passing through Leh, the headquar- a year, and any instability along the eration Army (PLA). Telephone lines ters of the Army’s XIV Corps, which border would be a big blow for them. beyond Leh have been cut for secu- was raised after the Kargil war. In Leh, authorities have shut down rity reasons, causing panic among PLA incursions are not new for everything except shops selling relatives of those who live close to Ladakhis. The situation got out of essential goods. All vehicular traffic BOTHERING the LAC. All inner line permits, too, hand this time because the enemy is banned. An eerie silence enve- stand cancelled. moved aggressively across multiple lopes the city which is broken only For Ladakhis, the border tensions locations. And, after the Galwan by the sound of the Indian Air Force have come at a time when the region clash, the fear of war is in their aircraft. Fighter jets make frequent HEIGHTS is struggling with its fight against minds. “The Chinese have never sorties, while heavy lift aircraft like Covid-19. According to the Union been our friends,” said P.T. Kunzang, the C-17 Globemaster and IL-76 ferry In Ladakh, India looks at an operational window territory’s health department, there president of the Ladakh Tourist and between August and October in case disengagement are now 115 active cases in Leh and Trade Alliance. “They betrayed us 65 cases in Kargil district, but all pa- in 1962 and took away Aksai Chin. plans with China fail tients are stable. No new cases have Now they want to take away our land been reported in the past couple of in Pangong Tso and Galwan, which BY PRADIP R. SAGAR/Leh days. was never contested.” Kunzang PHOTOS BY SANJAY AHLAWAT While there is some good news on said more than 70 per cent of the Covid front, the border situation the Ladakhi households is making Ladakhis anxious. The last were dependent on he Chinese should be 200km from Leh, saw a fierce clash more than two months, Ladakhis are time they were on such a state of tourism, which thrown out from the terri- between Indian and Chinese forces hoping for a ‘tough’ response from heightened alert was in 1999, during tory which does not belong on June 15, in which 20 Indian sol- the Indian military, which will help the Kargil war against Pakistan. to them at all. Our military diers lost their lives. The region has wipe out bitter memories of 1962. In China, however, poses a far bigger Tshould give them a strong response,” become the epicentre of the ongoing Ladakh, all roads to forward areas are challenge, and the military planners said Ghulam Nabi Galwan, the Sino-Indian clashes in the western sealed. No movement is permitted know it. Every single day, nearly grandson of Ghulam Rassul Galwan, sector of the Line of Actual Control beyond the Army’s 3 Infantry Divi- 150 vehicles of the Army and who discovered the Galwan valley (LAC) in Ladakh. sion headquarters in Karu, nearly the Indo-Tibetan Border in 1899. The valley, located nearly With the standoff continuing for 30km from Leh. The division is in

KEEPING VIGIL A Sukhoi during a sortie in Ladakh

44 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 45 INDIA-CHINA STANDOFF LADAKH

tanks and mechanised elements from the western sector. This is a first in the region, since 1962. To boost its deterrence, the Army has sent the newly-inducted T-90 tanks, although three armoured regiments are al- ready based in Ladakh. After intense parleys, disengage- ment has started on the border, but the process has been excruciatingly slow. India has already deployed one lakh troops in eastern Ladakh, beefing up security along the 826km- long LAC in the region. Enhancing road connectivity in eastern Ladakh is a key priority, with infrastructure projects worth 020,000 crore, includ- ing 30 permanent bridges, picking up speed. The Changthang region, which includes Darbuk and Nyoma sub divisions, is the most crucial CONNECTING LIVES one for road infrastructure. Sensitive Contract workers of Bor- areas like Galwan, Chushul, Shyok, der Roads Organisation Demchok and Chumar fall under from waiting Darbuk and Nyoma. for transport in Leh Unlike in 1962, the IAF has in- creased its presence on the border, especially aftet the PLA further to sources in the military establish- Pashmina goats. While the Galwan became a popular tourist destination strengthened its deployment follow- ment, high mountain warfare has valley is uninhabited, it is used as a after the 2009 hit 3 idiots. ing the Galwan clashes. Additional an operational window, which is the winter grazing ground by nomadic “Ladakh is the most neglected part deployment of fighter jets like Su-30 period between August and Octo- communities to feed their livestock. of the country despite its strategic MKI, MiG-29K and Mirage-2000 ber. “Military buildup on the border These nomads are being pushed importance. There is no electricity alongwith the newly-acquired could be an indicator,” said a military back from forward areas. in our border areas. We are totally Apache and Chinook helicopters, observer. “We can surprise the ene- Namgyal Darbuk, a local resident dependent on solar plants,” said are maintaining operational read- my by launching an offensive in this and a former councillor, said the Namgyal. He said that in the ongoing iness with frequent sorties close to period. Weather and terrain give you Chinese always sent their nomads conflict in the Galwan valley, India the border. With its array of modern an operational window to carry out first, and their troops next. “Indian lost nearly three square kilometres of electronics, the Apache is consid- any offensive mission. Both sides are security forces do not allow our pasture land. ered to be one of the most advanced worried about this.” India and China nomads to move forward. Moreover, Talking about the Chinese expan- combat helicopters. Its air-to-air are preparing for the long haul, as urbanisation of nomads has helped sion in the region, a Ladakhi said missiles are capable of detecting up the process of disengagement, if it the Chinese grab our pasture lands. although the 3 Infantry Division was to 256 moving targets and engaging indeed goes through, will take at The nomads are coming down to the also known as the Trishul Division, them. Over a dozen squadrons of CALL OF DUTY least three to four months. Moreover, town, leaving behind their land on none of the three mountains shown fighter jets have landed at the Leh Indian Army convoy the trust deficit will force India to the border villages,” said Namgyal. on its insignia were with India. military base to give more teeth to in Leh continue with its deployment during “Urbanisation of nomads is giving an “Those were in the Chushul area and the IAF. “We have been training for winter, when the Ladakhi highlands easy option to the Chinese to expand the Chinese have captured all those the last 45 days to support the Army get disconnected from the rest of the their territory and many nomads mountain ranges,” he said. for any offensive operation,” said a India has already deployed one lakh troops world. have joined the tourism sector for Captain (retd) Tashi Chhepal of the fighter pilot. in eastern Ladakh, beefing up security Amidst military preparations, easy money.” Ladakh Scouts, an infantry regiment Movement of air assets to Ladakh residents of the border villages say Locals worry that if Pangong Tso of the Army, said he was surprised conveys an impression that air power along the 826km-long Line of Actual the Chinese often intrude into their and Nubra valley, the main tourist at- that the Chinese managed to usurp will play a major role in any likely Control in the region. territory and usurp their pastures, tractions of the region, remain affect- Indian territory, which he once used military action by India. According the Ladakhi highlands famous for the ed, the economy will suffer. Ladakh to patrol with his colleagues. Chhe-

46 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 47 INDIA-CHINA STANDOFF KERALA LADAKH CONTROVERSY

ON GUARD A Dhruv helicopter during a sortie in Ladakh IN A SPOT Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, M. Sivasankar IAS and Swapna Suresh at the space technology conclave EDGE 2020 in Thiruvananthapuram

We are tired of giving away our land to China. Time has All that glitters come to teach China a lesson. A gold-smuggling case tually, Sarith Kumar, a former public relations —Ghulam Nabi Galwan, officer at the consulate, came to collect the bag. grandson of Ghulam Rassul Galwan, takes the shine off the He was immediately arrested and remanded to who discovered the Galwan valley Kerala government’s image custody by customs officers. It was reportedly the in 1899 first time that such a case—in which diplomatic exceptions were used for smuggling—had been BY CITHARA PAUL registered in India. pal, who was awarded Vir Chakra pictures with us and give us gifts. I like a compromise formula,” he said. A diplomatic bag is used for carrying offi- during the Kargil war, said the Army think it raises some suspicion among Stobdan wants India to enhance ON JULY 4, a diplomatic consignment from cial correspondence or other items between a should raise more battalions of the personnel from other units. They connectivity projects in Ladakh Dubai arrived at the Trivandrum International diplomatic mission and its home government or Ladakh Scouts to deal with the situ- doubt our loyalty,” said Chhepal. with a forward objective to push for Airport. It was addressed to Rashed Khamis Ali diplomatic, consular and other official entities. It ation as Ladakhis were familiar with “Most Ladakhi soldiers feel that the trade beyond the Karakoram pass Musaiqri Alshemeili, charge d’affaires at the UAE has certain legal protections. A customs official the terrain and the environment. Army do not trust them.” into the Mazar valley of China’s consulate in Kerala. The “diplomatic bag”, which told THE WEEK that, as per the Customs Act and But Ladakh Scouts are not being de- Strategic expert and former diplo- Xinjiang province and revive the old weighed around 50kg, contained dates, oats, but- Diplomatic Relations (Vienna Convention) Act, ployed on the frontline with China as mat P. Stobdan, who hails from Lada- Leh-Kashgar Silk Road. ter cookies and noodles, as per the consulate’s two types of objects are exempt from inspec- Chhepal suspects the Army does not kh, said the region had been facing Ghulam Nabi, however, is in no order. However, it also had something that was tion: Articles for office use and the personal have complete confidence in them. trans-border problems for centuries. mood for a compromise. “We are not ordered, at least officially-30kg of gold. baggage of a diplomatic agent. “We had to seek “The Chinese troops always pay “Ladakhis fight for pasture land and tired of giving away our land to Chi- The customs department, which had been permission from higher authorities to check the special attention to Ladakh Scouts border demarcation. Now, unfortu- na,”he said. “Time has come to teach tipped off about gold being smuggled in a “dip- consignment as it was brought in as personal during flag meetings. They click nately, a middle way has been found, China a lesson.” lomatic bag”, was waiting for the recipient. Even- baggage,” he said.

48 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 49 KERALA CONTROVERSY

Upon interrogation, Sarith Kumar revealed nothing to do with the case,” he said. “Sivasankar that Swapna Suresh, his former colleague at the was removed from all the posts the very day the UAE consulate, was at the centre of the smug- allegations came up. If he has done something gling ring and that this was not the first consign- wrong, he will have to pay the price for it. The left ment that had reached Kerala this way. Suresh, government will not try to save any culprit.” a contract employee with the Kerala State He added that he welcomed any sort of inves- Information Technology Infrastructure Limited tigation by Central agencies. “In fact, we would (KSITIL), under the IT department, was immedi- like the Central government to investigate the ately sacked. case thoroughly so that all the links in this case Suresh’s career has been a story of spectacular are exposed,” he said. growth. She was born and raised in the UAE and His cool demeanour notwithstanding, it is apparently started her career as a front-office clear that the controversy has tarnished the state manager of a dance bar in Dubai. After getting government’s image. “Kerala is a very sensitive married, she lived in Thiruvananthapuram for a state, politically. Even a minor tremor could while, but separated from her husband after her cause large repercussions,” said senior journal- daughter was born, and went back to Dubai. ist Jacob George. “The controversy has come at She returned to Kerala in 2017, soon after the a time when the left government has earned a UAE started its consulate there, and was appoint- good image nationally and internationally for ed executive secretary. Her knowledge of Arabic its effective handling of the Covid-19 situation. and her pleasing manners were well noted at the A small drop of kerosene is enough to destroy a consulate, which is where she met Sarith, the well-cooked payasam.” prime accused in the case. She used to organise George also said that the incident had given a all major events at the consulate and invited fresh lease of life to the UDF, which was strug- several political leaders to these, slowly making gling to find its feet. And if there is anyone who her way into the power circles of the state capital. should be especially happy about the controver- She was apparently close to leaders of both the sy, it is former chief minister Oommen Chandy. ruling and opposition fronts. UNHOLY NEXUS Many have already drawn parallels between the The story took a dramatic twist when Suresh’s Swapna Suresh; current case and what happened to the previous (right) Customs offi- close ties to M. Sivasankar, principal secretary UDF government towards the end of its term. cials producing Sarith to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, came Kumar before the There, too, was a woman—Saritha Nair—whose to light. Apparently, Sivasankar was a frequent magistrate in Kochi links with the chief minister’s office had hurt the visitor at her apartment, and it was after first government. In fact, it could be argued that the meeting Sivasankar at the consulate that Suresh ‘solar panel scam’ effectively demolished the quit the job and joined the IT department on UDF’s chances of re-election. The Left Demo-

contract. She organised events and hobnobbed PTI cratic Front had, at the time, gone hammer and with leaders there, too. tongs to sully Chandy’s image. The solar case is Apparently, protocol was not followed in her still under investigation. “I am a believer. I have appointment to KSITIL; at the time, the crime The day after the gold was seized, Sivasankar Amid complaints about lapses on its part, no complaints,” said Chandy. “Many are praying branch was investigating her for allegedly fram- was removed from both posts. However, the con- for me.... The truth will prevail.” ing an employee of Air India’s ground handling troversy kept snowballing. Both the Congress-led the UAE consulate in India has issued a Meanwhile, amid complaints about lapses on crew in a sexual harassment case. Suresh is now United Democratic Front and the BJP are baying statement condemning the attempted use of its part, the UAE consulate in India has issued absconding. for Vijayan’s blood. “The chief minister cannot a statement condemning the attempted use of Also in the cross hairs is Sivasankar, who was wash his hands [of the case] by removing the IT diplomatic channels for smuggling. diplomatic channels for smuggling, and has also the IT secretary, one of the most powerful secretary. Sivasankar was removed because the promised full cooperation with customs authori- bureaucrats in the state; he always had Vijayan’s chief minister feared the investigation would ties. “Smuggling has happened many times,” said ear. In fact, Sivasankar’s had been one of the first reach him,” said opposition leader Ramesh a customs official. “The fact that they (consulate) appointments by the current Left Democratic Chennithala. Demanding Vijayan’s resignation, tweeted a photo collage featuring Vijayan and never checked the weight marked on the cover of Front government. “He was a surprise choice he added, “The influence of the smuggling cartel Suresh, captioning it “gold”. In the state, the BJP the parcel is surprising. Also, how can they send for many in the party because of his Congress in the chief minister’s office and the nexus -be leadership has announced a series of protests someone who is no longer part of the consulate to connections,” said a CPI(M) leader. “But the tween politicians, government officials and the demanding Vijayan’s resignation. collect a diplomatic bag?” chief minister went ahead as he was apparently smugglers point to a grave situation.” The chief minister, however, looks least per- The authorities in the UAE have also launched impressed by the fact that Sivasankar was a good The BJP has also trained its guns at Vijayan. turbed by the developments. “The state govern- an internal investigation to find out who sent the taskmaster.” The party’s national spokesperson Sambit Patra ment has nothing to hide or fear as it has got cargo containing gold to the consulate in Kerala.

50 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 50 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 51 KERALA

GONE FOR “Does the verdict mean that rich GOOD men can get away with killings if Italian marines they pay money?” asked Jalastine’s Massimiliano elder son Derrick. He was 16 when Latorre and Jalastine was killed. “How did we Salvatore lose a case that was foolproof? They Girone at the need to be punished,” he said. “Those central prison in Thiruvanan- who milked the killings for political thapuram in gains did nothing to win the case 2012 when they came to power.” Derrick was alluding to the BJP, which was then in the opposition. The party had raised a hue and cry over the issue, implicating Congress president Sonia Gandhi in the case because of her Italian roots. Jalastine’s wife, Dora, said that

initially the families of the marines AP

RAJAN M. THOMAS RAJAN BLAST FROM THE PAST The remnants of the boat St Antony at would call them every Christmas Neendakara harbour in Kollam, Kerala and ask for forgiveness. “But there has been no contact for the last few of Kanyakumari, they were orphans. years,” she said. She quickly added Both his sisters are now married and Bosco. “I took the wheel and rushed that the family was paid 01 crore settled in Tamil Nadu. “He was the to [Neendakara port, near Kollam], compensation by Italy. “I educated youngest one in my crew,” said Bo- At sea which was some six hours away.” The my sons with that money, and built a sco. “He died on my lap. I can never crew, meanwhile, alerted the Indian house,” she said. forget that.” Families and friends of the two fishermen Coast Guard. The Enrica Lexie was The payment of ‘blood money’ The verdict has further dismayed allegedly killed by Italian marines feel let soon intercepted by the Coast Guard had created quite a furore then. The him. Bosco had doggedly pursued down by the international tribunal’s verdict and the ; the marines Italians were accused of using the the case against the marines in the were arrested by the Kerala Police for Catholic Church in Kerala to get the Jalastine’s wife, . He had also gone murder only on February 19. families to withdraw the civil cases Dora, said the family to The Hague to testify against them. BY CITHARA PAUL The incident had led to a diplomat- against the marines and the ship’s “I was told by Indian diplomats and ic tussle between India and Italy. In- owner. The Kerala High Court had was paid 01 crore lawyers that we would win and that IT WAS THE day after Valentine’s rity detail onboard the Enrica Lexie, dia insisted that the killing happened permitted the families to legalise an compensation by those two will be punished for killing Day in 2012. The 11-member crew of an Italian oil tanker. “I woke up in India’s , out-of-court settlement at the Lok my crew members,” he said. the fishing boat St Antony had biry- hearing a loud sound and saw Jalas- giving Indian courts jurisdiction. But Adalat, but the Supreme Court took Italy. “I educated my The compensation aspect of the ani left over from the previous day tine collapsing before me. There was Italy maintained that the incident exception, calling it a “direct chal- sons with that money, verdict, said Bosco, was something for lunch; they had cooked biryani to blood all over,” recalled Bosco, 39. happened in international waters lenge to the Indian judicial system”. that the Italians had agreed to in celebrate “lover’s day”. Another round of firing soon and on an Italian ship, giving Italian While the case was on in the Su- and built a house,” 2012. “The whole case was an argu- Valentine Jalastine, 50, did not join followed. “I saw Ajesh Binki falling courts jurisdiction. preme Court, the two marines were she said. ment for punishing the Italians who the crew for lunch; he was fast asleep down,” said Bosco. “We all rushed The international legal battle end- allowed to travel to Italy to vote in the had killed two poor fishermen,” he after pulling an all-nighter behind to him. He asked for water, but died ed on July 2, 2020, when The Hague- general election in February 2013. said. “If Jalastine had not insisted the wheel. He woke up at around before he could drink it. He was based Permanent Court of Arbitra- Later, Italy refused to send them back. The recent verdict has not giv- that I take rest on that horrible day, 3pm, had lunch and took the helm barely 20.” tion Tribunal published its verdict. It This led to a huge diplomatic row. en closure to the families. Dora is I would have been the one who was again. “Jalastine asked me to take The crew members spotted the En- ruled that the marines had violated The Supreme Court then said that confused: “We don’t know whether shot at. Not a single day passes by a break from steering,” said Freddy rica Lexie that was heading towards international law, and as a result the Italian ambassador would not be the verdict is good or bad as some without me remembering that.” Bosco, owner of the vessel. “I was Kochi port. They also saw two men Italy had breached India’s freedom of allowed to leave the country unless section of the media say it is a victory Perhaps, in a bid to erase mem- reluctant as he would have to be up on it pointing guns at them. The men navigation under the the marines returned. This forced Ita- for India while others say we have ories, the Enrica Lexie itself has again that night. But he insisted and I were reportedly identified as Italian Convention on Law of Seas. New ly to send the marines back. In 2014, lost the case.” But she is certain about changed hands, names and flags. It went to sleep.” marines Salvatore Girone and Massi- Delhi was entitled to get compensa- Latorre was granted bail and allowed one thing: “I will never send my chil- is now the Olympic Sky, owned by That decision saved Bosco’s life. miliano Latorre. tion, it added. But it also confirmed to go to Italy on medical grounds. dren to sea ever.” Athens-based Melodia Marine SA. For, barely an hour later, Jalastine “All I knew then was that we that the marines had immunity and Girone was granted conditional bail Ajesh Binki went to sea to provide Registered in Majuro, it now flies a was shot dead, allegedly by the secu- needed to get away from them,” said could not be prosecuted in India. and permitted to go home in 2016. for his two younger sisters. Natives Marshall Islands flag.

52 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 53 POLITICS TAMIL NADU

met her on March 7 this year, before the date of release for any given the lockdown began. [Since then], we convict prisoner. For example, the have not been able to strategise as I date of release changes based on the have not met her.” fine payment status. Hence, we are Return Even if she is granted early release, unable to provide you with a precise Sasikala would have to pay a fine of date of release.” 010 crore, as per the Supreme Court In October 2019, while handing judgment that put her in jail. Also, over the sanction papers to pre- the allegations that Sasikala had maturely release 140 lifers at the game bribed prison officials for prefer- Parappana Agrahara prison, N.S. ential treatment, which IPS officer Megharikh, then Karnataka DGP Will Sasikala walk out of prison early and Roopa Moudgil had levelled, could (prisons), had told a television also come up while Sasikala’s release channel, “The prisoners now being muddy the political waters of Tamil Nadu? is being considered. released belong to a different catego- “We are ready to pay the fine of ry of convicts; Sasikala was different BY LAKSHMI SUBRAMANIAN 010 crore whenever we are asked to,” as she was convicted under the said Senthoor Pandian. Regarding Prevention of Corruption Act.” allegations made by Moudgil, he said Apparently, he was implying that FOR SOME TIME now, Edappadi Sasikala completed 40 months that the enquiry committee set up the tag of “good conduct” would not K. Palaniswami has been trying to and 16 days in prison at the end of to investigate them, headed by IAS be enough for Sasikala’s early release. establish himself as a leader tall June. Her term is 48 months. She had officer Vinay Kumar, had found no Commenting on social media posts enough to take on DMK president done time for the case in 1996 and violation of prison rules. that hinted at Sasikala’s early release, M.K. Stalin. And yes, for a while, he 2004, for 13 and 22 days respectively. Regardless, another stumbling he had said, “These are all motivated seemed to have won over the people However, she was out on parole in block for Sasikala would be the and false news.” with his policies, before Covid-19 October 2017 and March 2018, for Karnataka prison guidelines of 2014, Senthoor Pandian, however, struck. In the months since, he has five and 15 days, first to see her ailing which do not allow for the early re- insisted that any prisoner who has been accused of coming up short, husband, Natarajan, and later to lease of a person booked for an eco- completed two-thirds of the jail term especially in the fight against the attend his funeral. nomic offence, along with a handful becomes eligible for early release. “As pandemic. A prisoner is eligible for remission of other crimes. per the Karnataka Prison Manual, the And now, he has to contend with only after serving two-thirds of the Also, in an RTI reply to Bengalu- rights are bestowed on all prisoners,” the possibility of meeting a ghost sentence. Generally, per prison rules, ru-resident T. Narasimha Murthy on he said. “[What has to be decided from the past sooner than he had a reduction in sentence is based on June 6, the office of the chief superin- is] whether it is special remission or thought. On June 25, BJP member conduct and employment in prison. tendent of prisons said that “Multiple ordinary remission. There is no bar Aseervatham Achary tweeted: “Mrs In certain states like Karnataka, norms are encompassed to calculate on remission for prisoners retained Sasikala Natarajan is likely to be learning Kannada is also taken into under the Prevention of Corruption released from Parappana Agrahara account. According to the Karnataka Act. If suppose such a bar is sought Central Jail, Bangalore, on 14th Au- Prison Rules 1974, a convict is eligi- to be imposed, the High Courts and gust 2020. Wait for further updates.” ble for six days of ordinary remission Sasikala the Supreme Court have intervened Sasikala, confidante of former chief a month, or 72 days a year. completed 40 in the past to maintain parity for all minister J. Jayalalithaa, was convicted So, at the end of June 2020, Sasika- months and 16 prisoners.” in a disproportionate assets case, and la would have been eligible for 240 days in prison If she does walk out early, Sasikala has been in jail since February 2017. days of remission. Add to this the 35 could muddy the waters in a state Her sentence ends next February. days she had spent in jail earlier, in at the end of June. facing elections in less than a year. When THE WEEK asked Achary to the same case, and Sasikala should Her term is 48 On March 7, at a news conference in elaborate on his tweet, he refused, be able to walk out of jail at least 275 months. She had Coimbatore, Subramanian Swamy saying, “I cannot divulge anything days before February 14, 2021, the done time for the had said, “There will be changes in more on this. But I am sure about the day her sentence ends. case in 1996 and Tamil Nadu politics after her release. date of release.” Her advocate N. Raja Senthoor It will be difficult to exclude her from Achary is known to be close to BJP Pandian told THE WEEK: “By all 2004, for 13 politics. She has experience, talent leader Subramanian Swamy, who, of means, Sasikala is eligible for a pre- and 22 days and a whole community behind her.” late, has been talking about Sasika- mature release. The eligibility came respectively. Sasikala is said to know the pulse la’s release and how she cannot be up in December 2019 itself. I have of the AIADMK cadres as she had

excluded from Tamil Nadu politics. been continuously working for it. I PTI steered the party from behind Jay-

54 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 55 POLITICS AVIATION TAMIL NADU HAL

CLOSE WATCH Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami with Deputy Chief Minister O. Pan- neerselvam Despite challenges, India’s sole aircraft FLIGHT manufacturer aims for the sky PLAN BY ABHINAV SINGH

HINDUSTAN AERONAUTICS giants that have been looking for a tomers, mainly from the defence Limited (HAL) has often been in piece of the Indian aerospace and services,” said R. Madhavan, chair- the news for the wrong reasons, be defence pie. man and managing director of HAL. it the long project delays, quality “Our current production projects “HAL is also undertaking upgrade issues or labour problems. But the include Su-30 MKI aircraft, Light programmes of Mirage 2000 and

AFP aircraft-maker—India’s only one—is Combat Aircraft Tejas, Dornier Jaguar DARIN-III.” trying to shed that image. With an Do-228, Advanced Light Helicop- HAL recorded a turnover of order book of 050,500 crore and a ter Dhruv, Chetak helicopter, and 021,100 crore for the financial year number of big projects in hand, HAL engines and aerospace structures to ended in March, which was 7 per alalithaa for two decades. Also, there The AIADMK has changed a lot ister. “EPS will never want to give is all set to take on the multinational fulfil the requirement of our cus- cent more than the previous year. is the image of Palaniswami and his since Sasikala went to jail. Both up his post or work under her.” deputy O. Panneerselvam, tears in EPS and OPS, as co-coordinator Besides, the AIADMK seems to their eyes, requesting her to take over and coordinator, have taken over have more urgent problems. The the party at Poes Garden in 2016. all the powers vested in the party faction feuds have become more “Sasikala’s return will definitely general secretary. “There will be no pronounced, and EPS, said sourc- bring about big changes in Tamil political impact when she comes es, is struggling to keep the flock Nadu politics,” said former MLA out of prison,” Fisheries Minister together. Even Stalin pointed this P. Vetrivel, who is now with T.T.V. Dhi- D. Jayakumar told THE WEEK. “Be out at a recent news conference, nakaran’s Amma Makkal Munnetra it the cabinet ministers or party saying that “the ministers should Kazhagam, which was formed as a executives or district secretaries or shed their egos”. breakaway faction of the AIADMK in branch secretaries, at every level As for Sasikala, even an early 2018. “She, along with T.T.V. Dhina- in the party, we have decided to do return does not necessarily mean karan, can be the strong leaders who away with Sasikala and her family. re-entry into active politics. She can give a tough fight to the DMK [Anyway,] the Karnataka prison still faces a slew of other cases and, during the elections.” Incidentally, authorities have denied her early according to the Supreme Court Dhinakaran, who is also said to be release.” sentence, cannot contest elections BHANU PRAKASH CHANDRA expecting his aunt Sasikala to return AIADMK sources said that, even for another six years. “Sasikala’s TO THE FUTURE soon, did not react to Achary’s tweet. after Achary’s tweet, no one in the alienation was a well-thought-out An aircraft takes off Sources said that Dhinakaran, now in party has bothered to talk about strategy by [Narendra] Modi and from the HAL facility in Puducherry because of the lock- Sasikala. A senior minister from the BJP,” said political observer Bengaluru down, has not spoken to anyone on one of the prominent southern Raveenthran Duraisamy. “There the legality of Sasikala’s remission. districts, who was once an ardent will not be any going back. Sasikala “She will be a strength to the AIAD- Sasikala supporter, said he wanted is not a proven political force. In MK,” said political analyst Tharasu her to come back, but also that the 2024, there may be a compromise Shyam. “But it depends on whether party had been performing well in between Dhinakaran and the BJP, there will be pressure from the BJP the past four years. “I do not know excluding Sasikala. But no major or whether the existing AIADMK will if her comeback would bring any change will happen in the run-up accept her.” changes in the party,” said the min- to the 2021 elections.”

56 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 57 AVIATION AVIATION HAL HAL

■ INTERVIEW

R. Madhavan, chairman and managing director, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Competitive private industry gives an opportunity for HAL to evolve

Then the Covid-19 pandemic played HALe and hearty were produced ahead of target,” BY ABHINAV SINGH aircraft a year. The capacity is being velopment of a skilled workforce through spoilsport, and the company is trying said S. Mallikarjuna Swamy, former augmented for production of 16, for Production capacity an apprentice training programme, to overcome the stress on production executive director of HAL. “The which a second production line has been 40 aircraft/helicopters every year Q/What is the current status of the Aerospace and the Aviation Sector Skill by working with private suppliers. company has also taken steps set up and entire structural modules of Includes Tejas LCA, Su-30MKI, production of LCA Tejas? Council and other skill development “HAL has roped in many private or- Do-228, Dhruv ALH and Chetak in advance on orders of trainer front, centre, rear and wing are being A/The order for the first 40 aircraft is initiatives. We are also aiming to become ganisations to provide components,” aircraft, combat helicopters and the manufactured through our outsource categorised into two tranches of 20 a major system integrator and have out- said Air Marshal B.K. Pandey, former Repairs and overhaul development of engines.” Experts partners. (ROH) capacity each—initial operational clearance sourced different activities to different head of the Headquarters Training suggest that the government should 220 aircraft/helicopters every year (IOC) and final operation clearance private vendors. Command of the Air Force. “Howev- let the company explore the civilian (FOC)—with 16 fighters and four train- Q/How do you view the growing com- Includes upgrade or overhaul of er, the main assembly of the aircraft Mirage 2000, Jaguar DARIN-III, market for helicopters and small ers in each batch. The delivery of the petition from the private sector? Q/There are talks of making India and the helicopters rests with HAL.” Su-30MKI and Hawk trainers planes. first 16 fighters in IOC configuration A/I feel that a vibrant, competitive more self-reliant in defence produc- HAL has faced many challenges About half of HAL’s revenues is complete. The FOC for the fighter private industry base in the country is an tion. How would it benefit HAL? from time to time. Delayed sched- Engine production and come from international deals to variant was issued to us in February opportunity for HAL to evolve and exert A/We play a significant role in the ules, difficulty in procurement of ROH capacity manufacture aircraft engines, spare 2019. This FOC variant additionally for greater challenges. The aerospace domestic aerospace industry in terms spares, and human resource prob- Production: Around 120 engines; parts, and other materials, which comes with air-to-air refuelling capabil- and defence (A&D) industry involves ROH: Around 550 engines of service provided to the Indian armed lems have been regular. It took include the fighter jet programme ity, close combat gun, additional drop complex technology, high investment forces and the aerospace manufacturing around three decades for the com- with the Sukhoi Corporation of tanks, BVR (beyond-visual-range) mis- cost, long gestation period, stringent Government orders ecosystem. In order to ensure maximum pany to develop the Light Combat 83 Tejas Mk1A and 15 light combat Russia, the contract to manufacture sile capability, updated avionics and quality requirement, long development utilisation of existing defence and aero- Aircraft Tejas. Pandey, however, said helicopters, similar to the Boeing aircraft parts for Boeing and the flight control software suite. The FOC cycle and tedious certification process. space facilities in the country, the urgent these problems were similar to those Apache, in the pipeline multi-role transport aircraft project variant will reduce the maintenance This acts as a major challenge for new need is to provide orders for aircraft and of aerospace and defence companies Orders expected: HTT-40 trainer, with Ilyushin of Russia. HAL is man hours and turnaround time. entrants. The recent past has witnessed helicopters manufactured and devel- around the world, and HAL was not light utility helicopters and Su-30MKI planning to set up logistics bases in The first LCA in FOC standard took a paradigm shift in defence procurement oped by HAL under Make in India. entirely responsible for the delay. Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka and to the skies on March 17, 2020. We procedure with the introduction of the Current projects “Partly, the Indian Air Force has to 0 Vietnam, which would help it sell its had achieved the feat within a record strategic partnership (SP) model. SP Order book position: 50,500 crore be blamed for delayed deliveries by time of 12 months after the release provides the opportunity to the Indian Q/Has there been an exodus of talent (March 2020) products and act as service centres. of the Drawing Applicability List (DAL) private sector for making an entry into from HAL because of the arrival of HAL,” he said. “The Air Force keeps HAL has a longstanding relation- and SOP by CEMILAC. On May 27, the industry with a product by collab- multinational aerospace companies? changing its requirements. It should ship with the Indian Space Research FOC standard LCA Tejas was inducted orating with an original equipment A/It is in line with the industry average be part of the process of developing Organisation. “All launch vehicles into the IAF Squadron ‘Flying Bullets’, manufacturer. and there has been no mass exodus. an aircraft rather than a bystander. that HAL needs at the moment, as of ISRO have parts manufactured marking a major milestone for us. Currently, the defence manufacturing Though the advent of MNC aerospace On the other hand, the Navy is some- private players have started challeng- by HAL,” said Madhavan. “We have Similarly, the production of eight ecosystem in the country is developing. companies can result in talent drain, in what fully involved in the process ing its dominance in the domestic a dedicated aerospace division to LCA twin-seat trainers based on the We have spearheaded this by collabo- my opinion, the learning opportunities of an aircraft’s development.” In its market. The company has been support ISRO’s requirements. We provisional design document provided rating with private players, foreign OEMs and the challenging and inviting work initial years, said Pandey, HAL did far struggling to sell its products even to are focusing on more technolo- in June 2019 is also progressing at and academia for various production environment and pro employee policies better. “It started developing the first the Air Force. gy-intensive requirements and have HAL. The current LCA manufacturing and development projects. We are also of the company will help HAL retain the fighter, HF-24, in 1956, and delivered In fact, HAL seems to have woken set up a new facility for manufac- capacity established at HAL is for eight making significant efforts toward the de- workforce. it in 11 years,” he said. up to the challenge. “The second turing cryogenic engines to support It is exactly that kind of efficiency batch of the Hawk aircraft orders ISRO’s programmes.”

58 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 59 BUSINESS BOOKS

n INTERVIEW Q/ Apart from policy intervention, the book says R.C. Bhargava Veteran’s the Japanese management chairman, Maruti Suzuki style is best suited for Indian conditions. The behavioural viewpoint shift appears to be a tall order. India should A/ It is necessary to under- In his new book, Bhargava offers a stand what aspects of Japanese management I am suggesting target 15 per template for working and living Indian industry should adopt. There can be no doubt that if BY PRATUL SHARMA workers believe that their future cent growth job security and quality of life JAWAHARLAL NEHRU and Narendra ing and living. He recommends it even would be best ensured by their Modi represent two distinct models for the top management of India Inc. He company becoming and re- of governance, both steeped in their goes on to discuss other aspects like the maining highly competitive and ideological moorings. One common role played by reliable supply chains, the prospering as a result, they can thread in both of them, however, is an need to empower policymakers and the make a big contribution to mak- emphasis on massive industrialisation for downside of not factoring consumers in ing that happen. That would economic growth. While Nehru looked at policymaking. create a win-win situation for public sector-driven industrialisation as The book has come at a time when the management and all others an engine for social justice, Modi wants both corporations and individuals have and be in the national interest. to keep the two objectives separate. It is been forced to hit the reset button and Managements need to un- between these two extremes that Maruti the country at large is focusing on the derstand this, as otherwise it is Suzuki chairman R.C. Bhargava slots his need to become self-reliant and competi- unlikely that global competi- prescription for making Indian industry tive. As the lockdown-induced humanitar- tiveness can be achieved. They globally competitive. In his new book, ian crisis unfolded, a debate has already should therefore look for ways Getting Competitive: A Practitioner’s started on the ways the government, to make this happen. That is the products. The recommendation in Q/ You mentioned that despite the Customers may again change their Guide for India, Bhargava praises Modi industry and civil society need to adapt essence of the Japanese man- the book is that the emphasis should 1991 reforms, growth has been fet- thinking in the future. for making the manufacturing process to rewrite the India story. This book is a agement system. Incidentally, be on maximising competitiveness tered by the lack of demand. What competitive, a key ingredient that was valuable contribution to that debate. this kind of management effort and various recommendations have are your suggestions for keeping Q/ Maruti Suzuki has been the mar- missing in Nehru’s socialist vision. would also help to build trust been made on what the government the cost of production low? ket leader because of the brand and Bhargava, 85, has a unique vantage with the political system and be and industry can do. One of these is A/ Reducing costs of production is pricing. New players are now vying point: His first assignment as an IAS of- more in consonance with our that manufacturing costs should not one of the essentials for becoming for consumer attention with jazzier ficer was in the secretariat political and social conditions, be increased to help achieve social more competitive. If the govern- products and competitive prices. in 1956, when Nehru gave a socialistic making it sustainable over the justice goals. ments, Central and state, fully accept A/ The car sector has been competi- roadmap for the country. After serving as long term. that they have to help in making this tive for many years. Such competition a bureaucrat for two decades, he spent Q/ The increased focus on the need happen, in all their interfaces with is good for the industry as well as for the following four in building Maruti. Q/ The book draws compari- for India to become globally com- industry they should see how costs customers. MSIL will continue to do Having experienced bureaucracy from sons between the Nehruvian petitive is also translating into calls can be reduced. Governments pro- its best to remain competitive. both sides, he suggests that the current approach to industrialisation for banning imports from China. vide infrastructure, many inputs, and cadre management system be changed and Modi’s. A/ The call to ban imports from create an environment for industry Q/ In a changed world after the to a cadre of specialists for industrial A/ The fundamental differ- China is for reasons other than to function. All of these can become pandemic, what are the lessons for and economic management, something ence is that in the Nehruvian achieving global competitiveness. more efficient and be provided at the industry? which the government is pushing with approach competition was Ban on imports is not required lower cost. Time has a cost and re- A/ An opportunity has been created the lateral entry of domain experts. deliberately excluded by policy. for achieving competitiveness. ducing delays would lower costs. to change our ways of doing busi- He goes a step ahead to suggest that Getting competitive: A There was no objective of mak- Indian products can compete on ness. India has failed to develop fast the government and industry exchange Practitioner’s Guide for India ing public or private enterprises merits if manufacturing becomes Q/ How do you see the demand for enough in the past decades and the officers for three years. By R.C. Bhargava competitive. There was no highly competitive as a result of the the car industry changing as peo- current opportunity should be used to Bhargava offers a template which he Published by realisation that customers, who political system and industrialists ple will prefer personal vehicles? remedy this by making manufacturing argues would work for India, which is Harper Collins are the citizens of India, would working together to achieve this A/ It is too early to make any long- highly competitive and targeting a torn between a socialist past and the Price 0599, Pages 240 gain if manufacturing resulted objective, and adopting the correct term forecast. Presently, there is a growth rate of around 15 per cent a capitalist pull—the Japanese way of work- in better quality and lower-cost policies and strategies. shift towards smaller hatchbacks. year. That will benefit everyone.

60 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 61 INFOCUS

Oral cancer: awareness FASHION • ART • BOOKS • MUSIC • THEATRE • LUXURY • FOOD • PEOPLE • REVIEWS • CINEMA • SERIES and risk factors

ral cancer (mouth cancer) is a major problem in our ulcer in the mouth; chronic pain in mouth, tongue or jaw; bleeding country where it ranks among the top three types of from mouth; difficulty in chewing or swallowing; difficulty or Ocancers. In India, oral cancer accounts for about 30 per decrease in opening the mouth; loose teeth or recent loss of cent of all types of cancer. A more recent trend is the increased teeth; development of white, red or mixed patches on tongue, incidence of oral cancer among women and young adults due to gums or inner linings of the mouth; a lump or hard mass in the increase in consumption of smokeless tobacco. neck. The death rate associated with oral cancers remains particularly high because more often the cancer is identified at How to avoid oral cancer? an advanced stage. Lack of awareness about early symptoms Avoid all forms of tobacco, areca nut, betel nut and alcohol of oral cancer is the main reason for cancer being detected at consumption. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. In case of advanced stages. Oral cancer causes significant damage to symptoms, do not neglect the symptoms and consult your qualit y of life and af fe cts financial stabilit y of individuals. doctor immediately.

How does it start? Treatment options It starts as a tumour/ulcer on the surface of the tongue, inside the Surgery is the preferred modality of treatment, whenever cheeks, roof of the mouth (palate), or on the lips or gums. feasible; followed by adjuvant radiation and chemotherapy in advanced disease. Who is at risk? People who use tobacco and betel nut/areca nut (supari), alcohol consumers, those with sharp teeth or ill-fitting dentures, human If oral cancer is diagnosed early, a complete papillomavirus (HPV) infection and diet lacking in fruits and cure is often possible in up to 90 per cent vegetables. of cases using surgery alone; hence early detection of the disease is associated with a When to consult/seek medical help? vast improvement in survival. Consult a healthcare professional when you have non-healing

Megha Majumdar has shot to literary fame with her debut novel, A Burning, a chronicle of the present BURNING political times BURNING BY MANDIRA NAYAR BRIGHTBRIGHT

62 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 63 @LEISURE BOOKS TT The only Megha Majumdar that almost breathless—a word that one exists on Skype that matches the id is would not usually associate with a Then I was in the back of the police located in Beijing. And that is all that literary novel. Manasi Subramaniam, van, watching through the wire mesh it says. No photograph, no personal head of literary rights at Penguin a view of roads glowing orange under street lamps. I exhausted myself details, nothing to suggest Majumdar Random House India, stayed up appealing to the policewoman and has burst into literary stardom with the night to read it. In the morning, group of policemen sitting in front of her debut novel—A Burning. Subramaniam, who edited the book, me: “Sister, what is happening? I am “I spent seven months in Beijing,” called up Alfred A. Knopf in the US a working girl. I work at Pantaloons. I she says from her Brooklyn home, and said she had to publish it. An BOOK EXTRACT have nothing to do with police!” by way of explanation. She worked editor herself, Majumdar spent four They said nothing. Now and then a with high school teachers and years on the book to ensure that each FEAR COMES CALLING crackle came from the radio on the students in Beijing, helping them word and sentence propelled her dashboard, far in front. At some point, A FEW NIGHTS later, there was a research schools in the US. Majum- story further. “A book makes a claim a car filled with boys sped by, and I knocking. It was late, two or three a.m., heard whooping and cheering. They dar is a poster girl for everything on a reader’s time,” she says. “It must when any sound brings your heart to were coming from a nightclub. The that middle-class India dreams of. reward that time.” your throat. My mother was shouting, doddering police van meant nothing to Her academic credentials are stellar: Majumdar left Kolkata barely an “Wake up, wake up!” those boys. They did not slow down. Harvard and then Johns Hopkins adult, at a time when Bengal was at A hand reached out of the dark They were not afraid. Their fathers University for social anthropology. the cusp of change. In 2006, the Sin- and dragged me up in my nightie. I knew police commissioners and mem- “My parents have always been very gur issue was raging, and it propelled screamed and fought, believing it was bers of the legislature, figures who supportive, even when I wanted to Mamata Banerjee straight into Writ- a man come to do what men do. But it were capable of making all problems was a policewoman. do humanities,” says Majumdar, who ers’ Building, ending the Red years. disappear. And me, how would I get out My father, on the floor, his throat did her schooling at Ashoka Hall, More than a decade later, at 32, Ma- of this? Whom did I know? dry and his painful back rigid, mewled. —Excerpted with permission from Penguin Kolkata. “They supported me on jumdar has written a political novel Nighttime tumed him into a child. Random House India. research for college and reaching for capturing India’s less than shiny side. ILLUSTRATION: DENI LAL the sky. It was quite unusual in my Asked if she set out to write a political y e a r.” There have been few other books novel on JLF’s Brave New World, Ma- of the narrative. Lovely, a transgen- right. The sheer enormity of the says, laughing. “I kept asking ques- from the subcontinent in recent jumdar answered earnestly: “I don’t der who dreams of being an actor. themes—from nationalism to the tions: Is this confusing? Am I bored? memory that have generated the think it is possible to write a novel Jivan teaches Lovely English—a skill system that has unfairness built into What do I want to say?” kind of interest that Majumdar’s first that doesn’t grapple with power and that she needs to get ahead. The it—is enough to bog down any writer, She always wrote, right from “essay book has. Aravind Adiga’s The White freedom in some way.” other character is PT Sir, who teaches especially one who has never written competitions in school”. Like many Tiger was one, thanks to the sheer Her book opens with a curfew, af- physical education at the girls’ school before. This is where Majumdar’s people, she says, she dabbled with power of his narrative. ter men have thrown flaming torches where Jivan studies. He hopes Jivan, craft shows. “Because I am an editor, short stories. Did she win competi- The rave reviews for A Burn- into a train. The fire spreads to the a natural at kabaddi, will become I am my own harshest critic,” she tions? “Sometimes I won,” she says. ing continue to pour in. Margaret huts that border the station. Jivan, a an athlete like him; he forgives her “I got more serious about writing Atwood recommended it; Amitav young Muslim woman who wit- soiled skirt and old shoes. But she with the book.” Ghosh endorsed it before it hit nesses the attack, posts something drops out without an explanation. Majumdar’s book has the lightness the stands. Over the past month, “dangerous” on Facebook: ‘If the po- Fuelled by his ambitions, PT Sir gets “I DON’T THINK IT IS of a jamdani—a sari her Bengal is Majumdar has found fame with her lice didn’t help ordinary people like pulled into right-wing politics. Both famous for—blended with the ur- book. She is a favourite at webinars, you and me, if the police watched Lovely and he have to testify at her POSSIBLE TO WRITE A gency that makes it impossible to put her name acquiring heft at a time them die, doesn’t that mean that the trial. The choices they make—linked NOVEL THAT DOESN’T down. Has her life changed? “When when the world stayed indoors and A Burning government is also a terrorist?’ She is to their own ambitions—and the sto- GRAPPLE WITH [you] sit down, and you are alone bookshops remained largely shut. “It by Megha Majumdar arrested and accused of collaborat- ry they choose to tell will determine with the page, it is as hard as it is to is very gratifying,” she says. “People Published by Penguin ing with a terrorist to start the fire. her future. POWER AND FREEDOM get as close to the vision you have in are dealing with pay cuts, job losses. I Random House India The novel weaves in the lives of A Burning is dark, eerily real and IN SOME WAY.” your head,” she says. “It is solitary, it am glad people are just reading.” Price 0599 Pages 304 two other characters who become in- accurately depicts India’s hyper-na- is slow, it is hard work.” Majumdar’s book is fast-paced, tegral to Jivan’s battle to tell her side tionalism and its steady shift to the And, she has begun again.

64 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 65 @LEISURE BOOKS

n INTERVIEW Kritika Pandey winner, Commonwealth Short Story Prize 2020 Writing helps you explore the limits of what is possible

BY ANJULY MATHAI

he girl with the black bindi what Ansari’s family must have gone wealthier people’s houses and cars. knows she is not supposed through…. I wrote The Great Indian As I grew older, I discovered the third Tto glance at the boy in the Tee and Snakes to help my readers set of windows: books. I read as often white skull cap, but she does.” Thus acknowledge that we need a lot more as I could. It helped me get away. I begins Kritika Pandey’s short story, compassion in this world. What we made friends with fictional charac- The Great Indian Tee and Snakes, have right now is far from enough. ters with effortless ease. But if I found which could perhaps alternatively myself in a family gathering—full of have been titled, Love in the age of Q/ What does it mean to be a writer elders who wanted me to touch their hindutva. One can imagine where from Jharkhand? How has the feet and be a soft-spoken girl who the story is leading, but the beauty is place you grew up in influenced does not talk to boys—then I had no how Pandey takes us there, through a your writing? idea what to say or do. So I would wondrously lyrical world of mous- A/ When you grow up in a place that return to reading once again. tachioed men who clean their ears is not part of the popular imagina- with Q-tips and brides who hide the tion, a place that you do not see in Q/ Why did you pick engineering names of their future husbands amid any of the movies or read about in over writing? How did you arrive at swirly, intricate henna patterns. So any of the books you come across, the decision to give it up? ed to be a writer in Class 7 when I Probably my own. Life is a kind of lot of it relies on controlling the bod- perhaps it came as no surprise when then you move through the world A/ I did not decide. It was decided read Sarojini Naidu’s poems in my madness that death makes. Long live ies and sexualities of women. Upper Pandey won the Commonwealth feeling immensely alienated. This for me. I got 97.2 per cent in Class literature textbook. Two, that I have the dead, because we live in them.” caste women, like me, must at all Short Story Prize 2020 for her “gut sense of alienation is evident in 10. And my entire family, as well as a renewed responsibility towards costs be forced to marry upper caste punch of a story”, as described by one everything I write. All my characters most of my teachers, kept telling me people whose struggles have been Q/ You have described with such men in order to reproduce caste of the judges. After all, the 29-year- struggle to belong, even to them- that I should be an engineer. So that historically (made invisible). Writing insight the emotions of a girl who hierarchies. This is why if we say no old MFA graduate from the Univer- selves. My childhood in Jharkhand is what I did. Then, when I finished cannot single-handedly change the falls in love, perhaps for the first to being controlled by social norms, sity of Amherst is no was mostly about staying locked up college, I refused to take up the job world, but it has its place in the pro- time, in your story. Did you draw then all hell breaks loose. stranger to accolades, having won in my parents’ house. One set of win- I had been offered during campus ject of resistance. upon your own first love to give the 2020 James W. Foley Memorial dows overlooked the slums. Another placements because I could not bear it authenticity? If yes, could you Q/ What is the first short story/ Award, the 2018 Harvey Swados set of windows overlooked relatively to keep feeling as miserable as I had Q/ Which is the one novel you describe your experience of falling poem you ever wrote? What in- Fiction Prize and the 2018 Cara Par- felt for four long years at college. At could read and re-read a dozen in love for the first time? spired it and how do you feel about ravani Memorial Award in Fiction. some point, you have to stand up for times and still not grow bored of? A/ Without getting into too many it now, after so many years? Excerpts from an interview: “I WROTE THE GREAT yourself. Especially if you are a wom- And why does it hold such an ap- personal details, I will say that, let A/ Our English teacher had asked us INDIAN TEE AND an, because people tend to think that peal for you? alone marrying, not being able to to write something, anything, and Q/ How did The Great Indian Tee women are too stupid to know what A/ Anything that Clarice Lispector even hold hands with the person you I had written a poem about war. It and Snakes come about? SNAKES TO HELP MY they are talking about. has ever written. She is more than are infatuated with is a lived reality was obviously not good poetry. But A/ I wrote the story after Tabrez READERS ACKNOWL- just a writer. She is a magician. She for many young people in India. And I remember feeling an unparalleled Ansari was lynched by a mob not EDGE THAT WE NEED Q/ How did it feel like to win the can reach into the innermost crevices it is no surprise that romantic love is excitement as I discovered certain far from my parents’ house in Commonwealth award? Can you of your soul and reveal a part of your- such a taboo in our society. This is ideas only once I wrote them down. Jharkhand. I was visiting them at the A LOT MORE COMPAS- describe your reaction when you self to you that you would not have precisely what it takes to maintain That is the power of writing. It helps time. And I could not do much else SION IN THIS WORLD.” first heard about it? encountered without having read one of the cruellest systems of social you explore the limits of what is other than write in order to cope A/ I felt two things. One, that I was her. Here’s a snippet of her genius: segregation in the history of human possible, both inside and outside of with my grief. I can only imagine not wrong in realising that I want- “I write as if to save somebody’s life. civilisation: the caste system. And a your head.

66 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 67 @LEISURE CINEMA

I am helping my brother set up his “I WANTED TO LOOK ters. So, I am confused,” she says and house. I am also talking to my friends laughs, adding that that works for and anybody who is feeling low, to AT DIFFERENT KINDS her. “Hopefully, I will never be put in try and cheer them up. For me, that OF CONTENT a b o x .” is very important.” BECAUSE DIFFERENT One still wonders if she has ever But having said that, she yearns thought about being associated with LIKE A CONTENT IS ALWAYS to return to the film sets, to do what seemingly delicate roles. “I can’t makes her happiest. There is fear CULTURALLY change the way I look,” says Hydari. in the air in anticipation of what a “I might have a delicate structure and post-pandemic set might look like. ROOTED IN THEIR face, but I think every part that I pick “But I am not going to fear what the OWN SPACE.” has strength of character.” She says situation would be once things open one can be gentle and loving, and at CHILD up,” she says. “At the risk of sounding the same time fearless and strong. has traversed the like a child, I think we really need to One of her directors once told her Indian cinema landscape, often reassess the chaos we have created in and aspire to be. “It is almost like that instead of trying to change her this world.” you don’t want anybody to ruin her looks, what would matter more is choosing soft but strong roles Perhaps, it is the inherent belief in innocence. You want to protect that what she does in front of the camera. the childlike innocence that drew her girl,” she says. “Now, I don’t look in the mirror while to —a film about Playing a speech-impaired girl doing my shots,” she says. BY PRIYANKA BHADANI pure love between a Sufi singer and a was challenging, but that is why she Over the years, Hydari has suc- mute girl. “This film is so sweet and found the role fascinating, too. “The cessfully traversed the Indian cinema ost of Aditi Rao Hydari’s so special,” says Hydari. “There director (Naranipuzha Shanavas) landscape, even making her Telugu days in lockdown have is so much innocence about it. and the director of photography debut with Sammohanam in 2018. Mbeen good. She admits that It is people and their million (Anu Moothedath) were very careful She is thrilled to have worked with the negative news that one comes complications that put their in how they chose to shoot,” she says. Mani Ratnam—in Kaatru Veliyidai across every day can be demoralis- own burdens on simplicity “They wanted so many cuts. When and Chekka Chivantha Vaanam ing. “But I am one of those eternal- and purity.” Sujata is a girl, you are speech impaired, your other (2018)—a director who really helped ly positive humans,” says the actor, she would always hope senses are so heightened. You have her grow. That is one reason she talking from her home in Hydera- to look into the person’s eyes and looks forward to working across bad, a day before the release of her talk. That makes you very vulnera- regions, because of the depth that it Malayalam film Sufiyum Sujatayum ble and also very true. It was almost brings. “I grew up in a mixed back- on . “I know a unreal.” ground,” she says. “My ancestry is lot of people are really suffering and Although Hydari’s film career mixed. For me, it is so natural to have it is very tough [for them], but I feel began with the lead role in Tamil a syncretism of different cultures in as humans we always have those filmSringaram (2007), she had the same household. I have never two choices, and there are enough a small cameo as a dancer in seen it as anything strange or some- people who suffer every day who Malayalam film Prajapathi thing that needed to be adjusted to. It also smile and choose positivity. So, than post my day-to-day (2006). But she considers has just been so beautiful, everybody it is possible.” activities, I would rather Sufiyum Sujatayum to be coexisting. Because of that comfort, She knows the place of privilege put that energy into her Malayalam debut. I was attracted to being a pan-Indian she comes from and that “somebody reaching out to people in The innocence that actor. I wanted to look at different will turn around and say that it is a way that is more real,” Hydari talks about is kinds of content because different easier for me”. “But we all have our she says. often synonymous with content is always culturally rooted struggles and our difficulties in our And hence, she is doing most roles she does; her in their own space, and the directors own place,” she says. Unlike a lot of things that she used to do as a characters are often very have their own voices. For me, it is celebrities, who have been taking up young girl, because of the time sensitive, subdued and soft. not really the region, but the director various social media challenges and she has at home. “It is giving me Mehrunissa in Padmaavaat and the team. I hope I can continue are keeping fans entertained in nu- that opportunity to be a child again,” (2018), Bhoomi Sachdeva in because it is not easy.” merous ways, Hydari’s social media says Hydari. “I have gotten back to Bhoomi (2017) and Leela in It is no surprise then that after updates are sparse. “From a place of dancing, which I have been doing Kaatru Veliyidai (2017) have all this Malayalam debut, she already privilege, what I am going through since I was five. I am doing kalari- Sufiyum been roles of women struggling to has The Girl On The Train (Hindi), V is very different from what [most payat, which I also learnt as a child. Sujatayum find their space. “Somebody else told (Telugu) and Hey Sinamika (Tamil) of] India is going through. Rather I am singing more. I help in cooking. me I always choose strong charac- lined up for the rest of this year.

68 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 69 @LEISURE TIKTOK BITTER CHOCOLATE SWARA BHASKER followers on the platform. Instead, you could become CURTAINS a celeb through the platform. “People say I look like actor Tale of a quiet commitment , so I recre- DOWN ate songs from his These TikTokers are bracing for a trending movies,” y parents had a ‘mixed love marriage’. My parent for a few years when she went alone to New York to says Vivek, a content father is a Telugu-speaking Andhraiite pursue a Ph.D leaving her two children in the care of her future without their favourite app creator with six lakh and my mother a Hindi-speaking Uttar husband. Nivya M Velayudhan followers on TikTok, Pradesh/Bihar product. They met and made a life When my mother got a full scholarship to pursue the BY ANJULY MATHAI who goes by the handle together in Delhi. Born into modest, but comfort- Ph.D. at New York University, we celebrated as a family, Maari Vicky. “My cover song able backgrounds, privileged by education and and our father took us to the airport to bid her farewell. We oon after the video-sharing themselves that sometimes bore little of [the Dhanush song], Rowdy Baby, caste identity with social and cultural capital, yet wrote letters to my mother, mine full of school gossip and app TikTok entered the scene resemblance to their real-life ver- went viral and got over 11 million idealistic and progressive; eager to learn and grow as complaints about my brother. We recorded tapes of our in 2012, it became a virtual sions. It was escapism at its goofiest. views.” individuals, enthusiastic to adopt the technologies voices talking to her. Our father would use up the whole Pied-Piper, seducing its fol- “On TikTok, everything was ready- This opened the door for many app and tools of the modern world; but traditional in of side A for himself and side B was divided between my Slowers to dance to its tune (often lit- made,” says Mumbaikar Nivya Ve- promotions for Vivek, and ultimate- their personal values; and yet open-minded in their brother, me and, Chandra, our cook. My mother would erally). As TikTok’s popularity began layudhan, 28, who has posted on the ly, to the world of television, with outlook; I guess my parents represented the post-co- listen to these tapes on her Walkman repeatedly as she to surge, it started getting embroiled platform between 200 and 500 videos several stand-up performances in TV lonial, post-Nehruvian young, professional, urban travelled on the New York subway; smilingly sometimes, in controversies. There was of her singing and performing shows. The BTech graduate says that Indian citizen. and sometimes in tears. the worry that the Chi- Bollywood dance sequences. his family was always happy with his Their (pre-marriage) love story had the distinctive At the time, I didn’t realise how radical and unusual it nese were using the “And, there were no copy- creative pursuits because it created a flavour of a Farooque Shaikh-Deepti Naval film from was for an Indian middle class family to have the husband app to steal data. right issues like there are secondary source of income. “I never the early 80s. The reticence, the unsaid under- look after the children, while the wife pursued a career Then there was on YouTube,” she says. asked them for money,” he says. “I standing, the long walks, the letter writing, the lack goal. It was only when I struggled with adult romantic rela- the allegation that She has been on TikTok am grateful to TikTok [for helping me of fanfare and display and the refusal to give their tionships, that I came to appreciate how wonderfully unu- TikTok was hiding for a year-and-a-half enter the world of entertainment].” relationship a name until they were married—just a sual and enabling my parents’ relationship was. It seemed videos of the now. “I immediately With TikTok no longer there, quiet commitment. inexplicable to me that they had made a long distance rela- protests in Hong downloaded all my vide- content creators have been forced As a 90s’ teenager, who was learning all about tionship work and without any fanfare or proclamations of Kong to appease os when I heard about the to migrate to other platforms. “The romance and dating from cable TV that aired Amer- great heartache or great love. Just that quiet commitment. the Chinese. Some ban,” she says. “It came to options in TikTok were so easy to ican TV shows, I often quizzed my parents about When I was in my twenties and emboldened to be more people denounced Venkatesh around 32 GB.” use,” says Venkatesh Poddisetty, a their pre-marriage relationship, and always had the honest in my questions, I’d ask my parents: Poddisetty it for promoting The appeal of TikTok for many TikToker from Telangana. “It helped same answer—“We were just good friends.” “You guys were away from each other for three years and illicit content and was that it was a great leveller. You us reach the target audience perfect- “So you just decided one day to marry your never felt like having an affair?” pornography. Then, did not need to be a celeb to amass ly. We hope (similar) Indian apps will friend? Isn’t that weird? Like tomorrow if I just de- “What nonsense! Of course we didn’t.” on June 29, the border stand-off come up.” But what TikTok opened cided to marry Rafi?” I would tease my mother. “How come?” between India and China led to the for them, they are not willing to give “Oh ho! Your generation doesn’t understand these “We just didn’t. Because we loved each other.” Union government banning 59 Chi- up. “I will express my creativity in things,” my mother would brush me off. “Yes, but it’s natural instinct.” nese apps, including TikTok. other ways,” says Velayudhan. “I can Without my realising my parents’ quiet com- “No, it isn’t. Not for us.” Sure, there are the bigger ques- dub for other videos. I can lip-sync mitment to each other became the most central “Did you repress yourself?” tions of espionage, ethics, inter- dialogues and put it up elsewhere.” influence in my life. Their marriage silently provided “Don’t throw fancy terms at me.” national posturing and political Many people dismiss Tik- the most positive role model for the love, compan- “Okay, tell.” tit-for-tat, but none of this Tok as “mindless fun”. But it ionship and commitment my brother and I would “Oh ho! Your generation doesn’t understand these largely mattered to the over was much more than that. It look for in our lives. things. You’ll understand only fulfilment, not commit- 200 million TikTok users in did not have the uppity vibe My mother had a full-fledged career from the ment.” India. For them, TikTok was a of Facebook or Instagram, time we were born. They were equal partners when And, perhaps, that commitment, which eludes my gen- free-for-all bazaar of creativ- where everyone clamoured to it came to parenting. My mother never sought eration, is what has seen this couple through four decades, ity, full of quirky microwave present sugar-coated versions permission from my father for anything—rather she as they celebrate 40 years of a journey of togetherness on challenges, ‘sad panda’ memes, of themselves. TikTok was less discussed issues with him and they took mutual July 9. funny couple fights and re-en- about one-upmanship and more decisions. He applauded her every achievement and Happy anniversary, Ma and Dad. Watching you both has actments of famous dialogues. The about self-expression. And that is enabled all her career goals, even becoming a single been my greatest life lesson. app offered a way for them to create Vivek something TikTokers are unwilling to a glitzy, happy-go-lucky alter-ego of give up. The writer is an award-winning Bollywood actor and sometime writer and social commentator.

70 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 71 @LEISURE PEOPLE

Q/ You started your AFP Man of honour , actor career in an era when Sidharth Malhotra, who is set to play Kargil digital was almost martyr and Param Vir Chakra recipient non-existent. How do you Vikram Batra in the film Shershaah, hon- see the changes in the en- oured the soldier through a tweet on his tertainment industry over 21st death anniversary. “Salute to the

SAMBIT BISWAS SAMBIT Return of the the last two decades? Indian army for their undying service boy next door A/ I feel lucky to have been to the nation and to able to witness the growth of our Kargil hero ctor Chandrachur Singh made a promising re- the industry from the time of #VikramBatra who turn recently as the owner of a pharmaceutical single screen theatres to mul- laid down his life Acompany in the Disney+ show Aarya, tiplexes, to be able to work in today, 21 years ago,” Music with alongside . Currently based in Gurgaon, television and now on streaming Malhotra tweeted. The he looks back at his journey as an actor and the oppor- services. I feel there is a certain film, directed by Tamil film- a difference tunities that streaming platforms have created. professionalism now that is very maker Vishnuvardhan and produced For the video of his latest single, Kasoor, singer Prateek different. When I started, things by Karan Johar, was initially set to Kuhad sourced footage from his fans, apart from featuring Q/ You have not done too many projects in the were not as personalised as they release this month, but was post- well-known faces like actors and Zoya Hussain, recent past. What was it about Aarya that attract- are now. There is a lot of punctu- poned because of the pandemic. comedians Kunal Kamra and Mallika Dua, and musician ed you? ality and consistency in the setup Kavya Trehan. The song is about the universality of love. A/ I would say that I was really keen to work with today. The acting workshops that The three-minute video was made via remote collaboration. Ram (Madhvani, creator) because of his work in happen now really help one in the He broke off from the production house which helped him the past. Besides, I was supposed to work with final performance. Another thing make the video of his chart-topping single, Cold/Mess. Sushmita long ago, which did not happen then. that impressed me a lot is how the That was again a draw. Plus, I thought the entire schedule was followed religiously. I concept of Aarya was very enticing. think an actor can show his versatility Indecent now because there is so much content Q/ When Tere Mere Sapne and being produced. As an actor, you are proposal released in 1996, you had become quite the not stereotyped. Just see how [someone Getting marriage proposals might Crossover sensation with your boy-next-door image. like] is juggling so many not be a big deal for our stars, When things started crumbling, were you genres. I think it is a great time to be a but it is probably not every day badly affected? performer. that you get one from someone cuisine A/ I would like to mention that I am really — Priyanka Bhadani who promises to take a male Ravinder Bhogal, award-winning grateful to Jaya ji (Bachchan) and Gulzar ji virginity test. Actor Tillotama food writer, chef and owner of the for giving me a break in the two projects Shome shared a screenshot London restaurant Jikoni, is coming [respectively]. Maachis released first of the proposal on Insta- out with a new book, Jikoni: Rec- and became an overnight success, both gram. “I love you,” wrote ipes from an Immigrant Kitchen. critically and commercially. But I think the lover boy. “Will you Bhogal, who was born in Kenya to by the time [things started falling apart], marry me for my whole Indian parents and moved to I had been through enough strug- life forever? I am virgin and London as a child, draws gles. I knew how to take vegetarian guy who is always inspiration from her stardom in a very ready for a RNA 16S sequence multicultural heritage. different way. I was male virginity test, lie detector “Ravinder’s recipes do more in it for the test, narco test, brain mapping indeed have a rebellious creative joy. The test.” “What sort of a vegetarian soul,” says the publish- struggle and the joke is this?” asked the actor. er, Bloomsbury. “They journey, I feel, only “No thanks, bye bye tata bata are lawless concoc- make you a better alvida.” tions that draw their artiste at the end of Probably a wise decision. influences from one the day. tradition and then CONTRIBUTOR / SNEHA BHURA

another.” COMPILED BY ANJULY MATHAI FOTOCORP

72 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 JULY 19, 2020 • THE WEEK 73 LAST WORD BIBEK DEBROY

The tangle of taxes

hould one use tax policy to address concerns ally used for hair, too, “coconut oil” or “hair oil”? about equity, tax the rich relatively more Is Lal Dant Manjan toothpowder or a medicinal Sand redistribute income from the rich to the product? Is McDonalds’ McSwirl ice-cream or a poor? Most people will say yes. Indeed, this is one dairy product? Is Scrabble a game or a puzzle? We of the principles behind taxation, though equity had differences in tax rates. That led to litigation, concerns are often better addressed through disputes and judgements. Every question I have instruments other than tax policy. just mentioned is rhetorical. They have been Should one use indirect tax policy to address addressed by courts, including the highest court concerns about equity? For direct taxes, it is nat- of the land. ural to have a progressive system; higher tax rates Indeed, the issue of the coconut led to a split for the relatively rich. One should hesitate before decision in the Supreme Court. For indirect answering yes to the second question. But most taxes, unlike direct taxes, what the heart suggests people do not hesitate. A higher tax rate for high- as an eminently sensible idea is fraught with end cars, compared with bicycles, sounds like an problems. Indirect taxes should not be used to eminently sensible idea. How will this work? Ex- address questions of equity. Such complications show room, car prices can enrich chartered accountants range from just under 03 lakh and lawyers, and feed into tax to just under 03 crore. Follow- terrorism. They increase tax ing the logic of the eminently compliance costs. sensible idea, we should not I was once told an anecdote tax them at the same rate. We about pre-1991 India, circa should have one rate for cars mid-1980s. I cannot vouch for under 05 lakh, another for cars its veracity. Apparently, a large around 010 lakh, another for number of washing machines, those between 025 lakh and at that time perceived as item 050 lakh and so on. We will of elitist consumption, were quibble about what kind of car being sold in Punjab (much a “middle class” household more than in other parts of buys. We will quibble about the country). Investigations what happens at the border, with one rate for revealed these were being used for making lassi, below 020 lakh and another for more. Will man- not washing clothes. ufacturers indulge in what has been called the I think this anecdote has a message. Percep- Bata syndrome, pricing at some value that ends in tions of elitism can be wrong. I used the sentence ninety-nine? “we had differences in tax rates”. I should not have It gets worse. How will we tax motorcycles and used the past tense. We still have differences in scooters, based on prices ranging from 050,000 to tax rates, despite Goods and Services Tax. Other 050 lakh? Most of us smiled when we read a news than all products not yet being included in GST, report about a Karnataka ruling on the difference there are too many GST rates. The ideal GST between a roti and a parotta. The question to ask should have a single unified rate. Economists will is, why did this ruling become necessary? It was generally (not always) agree with this. Most others necessary because parottas have a GST rate of 18 will not. So, we will talk about an ideal with three per cent, while rotis have 5 per cent. Think about rates for merit goods, standard products and the following weighty matters. Is green coconut luxury items, and scratch our heads over which a fruit or a vegetable? Is Parachute oil, occasion- item is what.

ILLUSTRATION BHASKARAN Bibek Debroy is the chairman of the Economic Advisory Council to the prime minister.

74 THE WEEK • JULY 19, 2020 76 The Week RNI No.36122/1982, Registered No. KL/EKM/756/2018-20, Licence No. KL/CR/EKM/WPP-20/2018-20. Licensed to Post Without Prepayment. Published on Friday July 10th 2020