Best of BS Opinion: Holding up a mirror to Modi govt, Covid redux & more

Here's a selection of Business Standard opinion pieces for the day
 

We have seen too many instances of the “event management” mindset: Banging utensils from balconies, switching off lights, and burning candles for nine minutes at 9 pm, showering flower petals on hospitals from hovering helicopters, and so on. Meanwhile, containing infections at mass events like the Kumbh mela and election rallies has been entrusted to the gods. The hour is late, let’s get serious, writes T N Ninan
 

Between the premature victory mood that allowed Kumbh & elections, and lack of urgency on vaccines, the Modi govt has walked into its biggest crisis. The way out needs realism, humility and one ‘Ram baan' weapon, writes Shekhar Gupta 
 

If the Congress wins the Assam elections, a national future for Bhupesh Baghel is assured. But if it loses, T S Singhdeo is sure to become more vocal. Ensuring a Congress government in Guwahati is crucial for stability in Raipur, argues Aditi Phadnis

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“Respected @POTUS, if we are to truly unite in beating this virus, on behalf of the vaccine industry outside the US, I humbly request you to lift the embargo of raw material exports out of the US so that vaccine production can ramp up. Your administration has the details.”

Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawalla