Modi has had three meetings with Chief Ministers on the counter strategy and also lockdown exit, trying to emerge as a team leader and a consensus-builder

Has the Coronavirus pandemic altered Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s style of functioning? It certainly looks like it. This is because Modi knows that dealing with the pandemic is not only a test of his leadership but also if he succeeds, it will be his legacy, which will be remembered for long.

Hence, the Prime Minister, who till now was known for being a hard taskmaster and for doing his own  thing at the risk of offending the Opposition and the people of the country alike (demonetisation and the abrogation of Article 370 in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir) has shown his softer side to the citizens of late.

He has donned the mantle of the head of a family, a firm yet caring father who must take some tough decisions to lead his family of 1.3 billion through difficult times.

He has been apologetic for the inconvenience and hardship caused to the people during the nationwide lockdown, even though his has been a delayed response to the pandemic and the shutdown was a “just in time” decision despite Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stressing on the need for it many weeks ago.

He has long-last shown a team spirit in dealing with the Chief Ministers (CMs) of the States, irrespective of whether they are BJP-ruled or not. What is even more surprising is the fact that the Prime Minister (who has often been perceived to be unfriendly to the media, particularly those who criticise the Government) has of late taken to appreciating the media for their role in disseminating information on the Coronavirus and the nation’s initiatives. For the first time perhaps, Modi also sought the support of the media and briefed the top editors and media barons on the measures taken by his Government. 

Modi has even been taking the leaders of the Opposition into confidence before and after announcing difficult decisions, which is far-removed from his usual style of functioning. Even his oratory shows a persuasive tone.

From January onwards, ever since it became apparent that India was not to be spared the scourge of COVID-19, the Prime Minister  has held several rounds of meetings and discussions with various stakeholders in order to find ways and means to fight the pandemic. The first thing he did was to work out a strategy. First he eased the people into a one-day curfew to get them used to the concept. When that turned out to be a success by and large, he announced the 21-day lockdown. He imposed it with  apologies and addressed the people thrice in a short span to impress upon them the fact that the nation has to make sacrifices to save the lives of people. Then came the tricky issue of continuing the lockdown for another two weeks, as most CMs wanted it and there was also the question of getting the cooperation of the CMs who didn’t. After all, health is a State subject and without their unstinted cooperation,  Coronavirus cannot be tackled.  Though Modi had advocated cooperative federalism and competitive federalism in the last six years it was not practised in earnest, as mostly all non–BJP ruled States accused the Centre of playing politics. There had not been too many meetings with the CMs in the last six years, too. So taking them all on board was vital. He had three meetings with CMs on the strategy and also lockdown exit, trying to emerge as a team leader and a consensus-builder.

Modi, on his part, praised different States for their handling of the situation and extensive teamwork. To their credit, the CMs, too, understood the nature of the crisis and the need to show their leadership in their States. Now, as they ask for more funds to tackle the virus, it remains to be seen how Central funds will be distributed.

Earlier, Modi never showed much inclination to deal with the Opposition either in Parliament or outside. The Opposition, too, was divided and weak, with the main party the Congress facing a leadership crisis. Despite that, in a rare gesture Modi showed maturity in taking them into confidence and briefed them on the measures taken by the Government and also sought their views for ways to end the lockdown safely.

The Opposition, including the Congress, did rise to the occasion and give support but there was muted criticism on the plight of the migrant labourers the  need for financial relief to the affected and so on.  Modi even roped in religious leaders in the fight against Coronavirus and asked the CMs to convene a meeting of religious leaders and ask them to convince their followers to follow the Government’s guidelines.

On the global level, Modi  revived the SAARC and established his leadership in the region and other members, too, had to come on board, including Pakistan.

Now the crisis is entering a difficult period. The coming months will be a testing time. There is some exit plan but the real problem is livelihood and the sliding economy. The poor need basics like food, clothing and shelter and this is where the Government should deliver in the coming days. Millions of jobs need to be generated. With an expected huge slide in the global and Indian economy, funds need to be injected without any delay. It is not enough just to disburse money to States. Modi must also ensure that they deliver.

For Modi and the CMs, the present crisis is both a challenge and an opportunity. The country has to battle the worst-ever pandemic. Modi has underlined during his virtual meeting with the CMs that the Government’s earlier stand of “jaan hai to jahaan hai (life is everything)”  has now changed to “jaan bhi, jahaan bhi (life and everything with it.” This should indeed become the goal.

(The writer is a senior journalist)