Why Are Politicians Still Busy Addressing Massive Election Rallies & Flouting COVID Norms?

India reported a record daily tally of 1,68,912 COVID-19 infections on Monday, the world¡¯s highest, even as worries intensify over a further spike.

India now accounts for one in every six daily infections worldwide.

A full opening of India¡¯s economy after last year¡¯s crippling lockdown, mass religious festivals and political rallies in states holding elections have worsened a second wave of infections.

The full-blown COVID attack may see daily case count triple and the death toll can top 2,000 by mid-May, some epidemiologists estimate.

The grim spectre unfolding across India points at multiple failures - primarily politics, religion and personal behavior.

While pandemic fatigue is another contributor to COVID spike, the gathering of millions at Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, and power-packed election rallies in West Bengal and other poll-bound states, are a potential reason behind proliferating numbers.

Supporters of the Chief Minister of the eastern state of West Bengal and Trinamool Congress (TMC) Chief, Mamata Banerjee, attend an election campaign rally ahead of the forth phase of the state election, amidst the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID

On April 10, the Election Commission (EC) asked ¡°political parties to observe COVID-19 guidelines issued by it last year in all seriousness¡±.

It took EC six weeks into the campaign and polling to issue a reminder of poll guidelines issues in 2020.

With assembly elections due in four big states this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi traveled to the eastern state of West Bengal to address rallies that are drawing thousands of people sans masks. Social distancing is a thing of the past.

¡°Speaking at a massive rally in Bardhaman,¡± PM Modi tweeted today, sharing a video of the large gathering of mask-less crowds.

Speaking at a massive rally in Bardhaman. https://t.co/PF05LCuYww

¡ª Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 12, 2021

The pictures and videos of the ballooning unmasked crowds epitomize super spreader characteristics, foretelling what's to follow.

Despite the political blame game among states and Centre, none of the poll rallies were COVID appropriate.

Question is -- if limits can be enforced for marriages and funerals, and schools and colleges can be shut, why no such limit for rallies?

Fears now mount that COVID has reached hinterlands of the country, which was earlier somehow immune to the virus - courtesy, massive gatherings and reverse migration.

While infections have grown exponentially in nearly a dozen states, politicians and ministers are still addressing election rallies attended by tens of thousands of mask-less people jostling for space.

BJP-ruled Assam's Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was ridiculed on social media on the weekend after saying there was no need for masks in his state and that wearing one hurts businesses like beauty parlours. Assam is going on polls to elect a new government.