India’s Modi reshuffles cabinet amid drop in popularity during coronavirus pandemic
- Analysts say the move is a reflection of Modi’s falling popularity over the government’s handling of the pandemic
- Health Minister Harsh Vardhan came in for particular criticism during a catastrophic Covid-19 wave in April and May
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday replaced 12 cabinet members, including the health minister, in a bid to reinvigorate his government after fierce criticism of its handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, who was the face of the government’s efforts to fight Covid-19, was asked to step down along with his deputy. Vardhan’s successor was expected to be named later on Wednesday.
Vardhan, 66, had come in for particular criticism during a catastrophic spike in infections in April and May. The health service was under severe pressure in many areas with hospitals running out of beds, medical oxygen and drugs.
The Covid-19 explosion was blamed on new virus variants and the government having allowed mass religious and political gatherings to take place in January, February and March.
Modi had declared victory over the virus in January and critics say his government failed to use the time to prepare the historically underfunded health system for another wave.