Author(s): Suman Halder

Abstract: This paper intends to study politics of Nationalism, representation and control in India during COVID pandemic. It will express how this pandemic time give state an opportunity of control and a new narrative of Nationalism. By analysing, selective short stories of Udayan Mukherjee, this research will find different layers of control to hide it’s failure to fulfil the basic needs. Using Louis Althussar’s theories of Ideological State Apparatus, Repressive State Apparatus, Base and Superstructures, the paper will search, how a new image of India emerges to people’s mind. This research will explore the identities like, Dom community, Migrant Workers, Local Vendors, and house maids etc.

Keywords: Covid 19, Nationalism, Control, Ideological State Apparatus, Repressive State Apparatus.

Article Info: Received: 11 Jan 2026; Received in revised form: 14 Feb 2026; Accepted: 17 Feb 2026; Available online: 22 Feb 2026

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.111.59