Picture this: A prominent opposition leader, once hailed as a master of corrupt practices, who made all the wealth and prosperity around him, now stands shoulder to shoulder with the ruling party and – That’s it. Corruption charges magically evaporating into thin air.
Another renowned figure, facing the heat of investigation agencies, swiftly changes allegiance, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and shattered trust. No more enquires or summons by the investigation agencies.
Welcome to the murky world of Indian politics, where principles are traded for power, and alliances are forged in the crucible of expediency.
Look at these names. These people were framed against corruption charges and were under probe by the central investigating agencies:
Ajit Pawar, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Praful patel, Narayan Rane, Chhagan Bhujbal, Ashok Chavan, Suvendu Adhikari, Naveen Jindal. These are just few names, the list is long. But the moment they switched to the ruling party side they became imminently clean. No more proceedings against them for any corruption charges.
I remember Prashant Kishore (PK of jan suraj) saying once during his interview – The problem is not that ruling party is using investigating agencies to manipulate the things, in fact every ruling party has done that in India. But the problem is when the same person who is facing severe charges for corruption and upon joining the ruling party becomes clean and no more charges are there against them.
So what kind of example are we trying to set up here? The clear message is – either join hands with us or your life will be hell. So, in short what the ruling party is doing is no less than a corruption, because tomorrow, if the opposition party gets into power, the first thing they will do is – Revenge.
The question of “will be avenged upon” comes secondary to the ruling party, as they are assured somehow that they cannot be moved out of power for the next 50 years at least, come what may. No one knows what will be the future, because once congress supreme had the same thoughts, but they were kicked out after a great battle of 2014 “acche din” (good days) slogans and much more. Unfortunately, the landscape started changing as the Modi government started making their grip tight on the entire political and power system within India.
In recent years, the Indian political landscape has morphed into a grotesque spectacle of opportunism and betrayal. No longer bound by ideology or integrity, leaders leapfrog from one camp to another, driven solely by the insatiable thirst for power and self-preservation.
Take the case of Ajit Pawar, known for his alleged corrupt practices. He infamously displayed disdain for farmers’ demands for water by callously retorting, “There is no water, so shall I urinate now?” This brazen disregard for the plight of farmers underscores the depths of corruption and apathy that have plagued Indian politics.
Such audacity is emblematic of corrupt leaders like him. Ajit Pawar played a pivotal role in destabilizing the Shiv Sena led government, orchestrating the defection of Eknath Shinde and effectively toppling Uddhav Thackeray’s administration. His actions paved the way for the BJP to sideline the Shiv Sena government and seize control.
Now, Ajit Pawar, whose meteoric rise to prominence was overshadowed by allegations of corruption. Yet, miraculously, upon joining the ruling party, these accusations evaporated, leaving behind a cloud of suspicion and disillusionment.
This is just one example, yet there are many. These leeches and termites, who have smitten the progress of our country are sheltered by the ruling government, who de facto leader once proclaimed before coming to the power that – Na khaunga, na khane dunga. (Neither I will take (referring to bribe), nor let someone take it).
However, upon assuming power and striving to attain everything by any means necessary, those slogans seemed to lose their significance, as though they were uttered under the influence of some substance or merely as empty rhetoric to deceive emotionally vulnerable Indians who yearned for positive change. While change did indeed occur, it proved to be for the worse rather than for the betterment of the nation.
But the rot doesn’t end there. Under the guise of governance, the ruling government has orchestrated a systematic assault on transparency and accountability. While vehemently proclaiming the mantra of “minimum government, maximum governance,” they conveniently shield themselves from public scrutiny, refusing to disclose the sources of their political donations. Yet, paradoxically, they demand unfettered access into the private affairs of every citizen, dissecting their financial transactions with Orwellian precision.
This brazen hypocrisy lays bare the festering wound at the heart of Indian democracy. It is a stark reminder of the toxic culture that pervades our political landscape—a culture where the pursuit of power trumps the pursuit of justice, and where the voice of the people is drowned out by the clamour of self-interest.
As the ruling government tightens its grip on power, the future of Indian politics grows ever darker. With each defection and each scandal swept under the rug, the seeds of resentment and vengeance are sown, threatening to engulf our democracy in a blaze of retribution.
But all is not lost. In the face of this moral decay, it is imperative that we, the citizens, rise up and reclaim our democracy. We must hold our leaders accountable, demand transparency, and refuse to be complicit in their machinations. For only by shining a light on the darkness within can we hope to cleanse the rot that threatens to consume us all.
Fear of Investigating Agencies:
There was an article in the “OPEN” magazine March 23 Edition, entitled as “The Power of Fear – How the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) evokes deep fear in India”
If you have the time or find that issue of OPEN magazine, I would request you to go through it and you will come to know how ED has instilled fear in the opposition party people, and whosoever, trying to be a smallest threat to the ruling government. No one will be spared.
The article says, “Nothing captures ED’s transformation from the perfunctory body it once was to the well-oiled machine. The agency has doubtless acquired a halo thanks to its handling of high-profile cases of financial crime, most of which involve irregularities worth many crores of rupees. And certainly more teeth as well.”
ED, which is part of the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, has high targets to meet as the country looks to enhance its Financial Action Task Force (FATF) score at a review due later this year. FATF is a global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog with influence in 200 countries and jurisdictions.
The price of being in the spotlight means ED has villainy, too, thrust upon it, especially by wrongdoers and those targeted by investigation. This list includes politicians who accuse ED of being manipulated by the government to settle political scores.
ED officials regret this image but view it as par for the course for an agency that has to perform the job of digging up others’ dirt in the most meticulous manner possible, aided by state-of-the-art technologies that facilitate dystopian-like surveillance of suspects and the accused in order to ferret out wrongdoing.
No mode of communication—not even WhatsApp messages or calls—is beyond the reach of these technologies, making ED awe-inspiring for many and dreaded for some.
In one of the investigation related to Manish Sisodia’s case, sources close to the investigation say that ED did not leave anything to chance in Manish Sisodia’s case and had interviewed close to 100 people, including businessmen and intermediaries in the scam, before they zoomed in on him.
This article gave some insights about the threatening curve creating more grips on whosoever dare to threaten ruling party govt and how this institution has become so powerful the recent year of present ruling party reign.
Although there is a point made in the story that out of odd 5000 cases that ED is handling only 120 plus are related to politico figures, however, it remains a bigger questions that how many ruling party politicians have ever been questioned or interrogated by ED.
The biggest question of them was when Adani fiasco happened over Hindenburg row and the entire financial market was talking about so much of manipulation in Adani’s stocks, why not even a single query was set up in that case?
This same ED did not spare and swiftly acted against Sonu Sood after he criticized the ruling party for failing to provide sufficient buses for the transit of people during the COVID-19 pandemic? Ironically, the government had abundant resources to conduct elections during the peak of the pandemic wave, regardless of the risks involved.
Many opposition leaders, such as former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, have faced prolonged legal battles and investigations by agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The fear of prolonged legal battles and potential harassment often pushes these leaders to seek refuge within the ruling party to protect themselves from further scrutiny. I am not saying that those who are guilty should not be harassed or questioned, but all I am saying is, if you have taken up the cases against them then thy should not come clean, soon after joining your party.
Transformation of Corrupt Leaders:
One of the most glaring examples is that of Himanta Biswa Sarma, a former minister in the Congress-led government in Assam. Despite facing allegations of corruption, Sarma joined the BJP, and his past seems to have been conveniently forgotten, as he now holds key positions within the ruling party and government.
Beat them until they are broken:
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi has faced numerous corruption allegations, some of which have been proven false or exaggerated. Meanwhile, instances of corruption within the ruling BJP often go unaddressed or are downplayed, leading to accusations of bias and political vendettas. Even after their supreme leader Arvind Kejriwal is captured, he is assumed to be behind the bars until the elections of 2024 is over.
The message is clear – Either joins hands with us or get rid of your politics.
Potential for Retribution:
If the current trend continues, and the opposition comes into power in the future, there is a significant risk of retaliation against those who defected or were favoured under the ruling party. This could perpetuate a cycle of political vendettas and further undermine stability and governance.
Erosion of Democratic Values:
The recent suspension of internet services in various parts of India during protests or elections highlights the erosion of democratic values and the government’s willingness to suppress dissent. Additionally, the manipulation of media narratives and crackdowns on freedom of speech further erode the foundation of democracy.
Creation of Weak Leadership:
The prevalence of opportunistic alliances and the prioritization of loyalty over competence often result in the promotion of leaders who lack vision, integrity, and the ability to govern effectively. This weakens governance and perpetuates a cycle of mediocrity in leadership.
Deterioration of Political Culture:
The rise of populism, identity politics, and divisive rhetoric have polarized society and undermined the spirit of cooperation and consensus-building in politics. This culture of polarization and intolerance stifles constructive dialogue and hampers progress.
Stifling Dissent and Innovation:
The arrest of activists, journalists, and dissenting voices under draconian laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) stifles dissent and innovation. Fear of reprisals silences those who dare to question authority, leading to a chilling effect on creativity and innovation in society.
Despite the facts we have witnessed in the last 10 years of the present ruling govt, nothing seems to be changing soon. If the 2024 arrives with the thumping majority, which looks likes to be almost assured, all we can pray is to be ready for more betrayal and calamities in the Indian political scenario, which will make shift the paradigm to the worst levels from where it will be almost impossible to make a comeback unless the axis shifts to some other power center.
Investigating Agencies: How Power Maneuvering Threatens India’s Future Democracy and Integrity.
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Picture this: A prominent opposition leader, once hailed as a master of corrupt practices, who made all the wealth and prosperity around him, now stands shoulder to shoulder with the ruling party and – That’s it. Corruption charges magically evaporating into thin air.
Another renowned figure, facing the heat of investigation agencies, swiftly changes allegiance, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and shattered trust. No more enquires or summons by the investigation agencies.
Welcome to the murky world of Indian politics, where principles are traded for power, and alliances are forged in the crucible of expediency.
Look at these names. These people were framed against corruption charges and were under probe by the central investigating agencies:
Ajit Pawar, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Praful patel, Narayan Rane, Chhagan Bhujbal, Ashok Chavan, Suvendu Adhikari, Naveen Jindal. These are just few names, the list is long. But the moment they switched to the ruling party side they became imminently clean. No more proceedings against them for any corruption charges.
I remember Prashant Kishore (PK of jan suraj) saying once during his interview – The problem is not that ruling party is using investigating agencies to manipulate the things, in fact every ruling party has done that in India. But the problem is when the same person who is facing severe charges for corruption and upon joining the ruling party becomes clean and no more charges are there against them.
So what kind of example are we trying to set up here? The clear message is – either join hands with us or your life will be hell. So, in short what the ruling party is doing is no less than a corruption, because tomorrow, if the opposition party gets into power, the first thing they will do is – Revenge.
The question of “will be avenged upon” comes secondary to the ruling party, as they are assured somehow that they cannot be moved out of power for the next 50 years at least, come what may. No one knows what will be the future, because once congress supreme had the same thoughts, but they were kicked out after a great battle of 2014 “acche din” (good days) slogans and much more. Unfortunately, the landscape started changing as the Modi government started making their grip tight on the entire political and power system within India.
In recent years, the Indian political landscape has morphed into a grotesque spectacle of opportunism and betrayal. No longer bound by ideology or integrity, leaders leapfrog from one camp to another, driven solely by the insatiable thirst for power and self-preservation.
Take the case of Ajit Pawar, known for his alleged corrupt practices. He infamously displayed disdain for farmers’ demands for water by callously retorting, “There is no water, so shall I urinate now?” This brazen disregard for the plight of farmers underscores the depths of corruption and apathy that have plagued Indian politics.
Such audacity is emblematic of corrupt leaders like him. Ajit Pawar played a pivotal role in destabilizing the Shiv Sena led government, orchestrating the defection of Eknath Shinde and effectively toppling Uddhav Thackeray’s administration. His actions paved the way for the BJP to sideline the Shiv Sena government and seize control.
Now, Ajit Pawar, whose meteoric rise to prominence was overshadowed by allegations of corruption. Yet, miraculously, upon joining the ruling party, these accusations evaporated, leaving behind a cloud of suspicion and disillusionment.
This is just one example, yet there are many. These leeches and termites, who have smitten the progress of our country are sheltered by the ruling government, who de facto leader once proclaimed before coming to the power that – Na khaunga, na khane dunga. (Neither I will take (referring to bribe), nor let someone take it).
However, upon assuming power and striving to attain everything by any means necessary, those slogans seemed to lose their significance, as though they were uttered under the influence of some substance or merely as empty rhetoric to deceive emotionally vulnerable Indians who yearned for positive change. While change did indeed occur, it proved to be for the worse rather than for the betterment of the nation.
But the rot doesn’t end there. Under the guise of governance, the ruling government has orchestrated a systematic assault on transparency and accountability. While vehemently proclaiming the mantra of “minimum government, maximum governance,” they conveniently shield themselves from public scrutiny, refusing to disclose the sources of their political donations. Yet, paradoxically, they demand unfettered access into the private affairs of every citizen, dissecting their financial transactions with Orwellian precision.
This brazen hypocrisy lays bare the festering wound at the heart of Indian democracy. It is a stark reminder of the toxic culture that pervades our political landscape—a culture where the pursuit of power trumps the pursuit of justice, and where the voice of the people is drowned out by the clamour of self-interest.
As the ruling government tightens its grip on power, the future of Indian politics grows ever darker. With each defection and each scandal swept under the rug, the seeds of resentment and vengeance are sown, threatening to engulf our democracy in a blaze of retribution.
But all is not lost. In the face of this moral decay, it is imperative that we, the citizens, rise up and reclaim our democracy. We must hold our leaders accountable, demand transparency, and refuse to be complicit in their machinations. For only by shining a light on the darkness within can we hope to cleanse the rot that threatens to consume us all.
Fear of Investigating Agencies:
There was an article in the “OPEN” magazine March 23 Edition, entitled as “The Power of Fear – How the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) evokes deep fear in India”
If you have the time or find that issue of OPEN magazine, I would request you to go through it and you will come to know how ED has instilled fear in the opposition party people, and whosoever, trying to be a smallest threat to the ruling government. No one will be spared.
The article says, “Nothing captures ED’s transformation from the perfunctory body it once was to the well-oiled machine. The agency has doubtless acquired a halo thanks to its handling of high-profile cases of financial crime, most of which involve irregularities worth many crores of rupees. And certainly more teeth as well.”
ED, which is part of the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, has high targets to meet as the country looks to enhance its Financial Action Task Force (FATF) score at a review due later this year. FATF is a global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog with influence in 200 countries and jurisdictions.
The price of being in the spotlight means ED has villainy, too, thrust upon it, especially by wrongdoers and those targeted by investigation. This list includes politicians who accuse ED of being manipulated by the government to settle political scores.
ED officials regret this image but view it as par for the course for an agency that has to perform the job of digging up others’ dirt in the most meticulous manner possible, aided by state-of-the-art technologies that facilitate dystopian-like surveillance of suspects and the accused in order to ferret out wrongdoing.
No mode of communication—not even WhatsApp messages or calls—is beyond the reach of these technologies, making ED awe-inspiring for many and dreaded for some.
In one of the investigation related to Manish Sisodia’s case, sources close to the investigation say that ED did not leave anything to chance in Manish Sisodia’s case and had interviewed close to 100 people, including businessmen and intermediaries in the scam, before they zoomed in on him.
This article gave some insights about the threatening curve creating more grips on whosoever dare to threaten ruling party govt and how this institution has become so powerful the recent year of present ruling party reign.
Although there is a point made in the story that out of odd 5000 cases that ED is handling only 120 plus are related to politico figures, however, it remains a bigger questions that how many ruling party politicians have ever been questioned or interrogated by ED.
The biggest question of them was when Adani fiasco happened over Hindenburg row and the entire financial market was talking about so much of manipulation in Adani’s stocks, why not even a single query was set up in that case?
This same ED did not spare and swiftly acted against Sonu Sood after he criticized the ruling party for failing to provide sufficient buses for the transit of people during the COVID-19 pandemic? Ironically, the government had abundant resources to conduct elections during the peak of the pandemic wave, regardless of the risks involved.
Many opposition leaders, such as former Finance Minister P. Chidambaram, have faced prolonged legal battles and investigations by agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
The fear of prolonged legal battles and potential harassment often pushes these leaders to seek refuge within the ruling party to protect themselves from further scrutiny. I am not saying that those who are guilty should not be harassed or questioned, but all I am saying is, if you have taken up the cases against them then thy should not come clean, soon after joining your party.
Transformation of Corrupt Leaders:
One of the most glaring examples is that of Himanta Biswa Sarma, a former minister in the Congress-led government in Assam. Despite facing allegations of corruption, Sarma joined the BJP, and his past seems to have been conveniently forgotten, as he now holds key positions within the ruling party and government.
Beat them until they are broken:
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Delhi has faced numerous corruption allegations, some of which have been proven false or exaggerated. Meanwhile, instances of corruption within the ruling BJP often go unaddressed or are downplayed, leading to accusations of bias and political vendettas. Even after their supreme leader Arvind Kejriwal is captured, he is assumed to be behind the bars until the elections of 2024 is over.
The message is clear – Either joins hands with us or get rid of your politics.
Potential for Retribution:
If the current trend continues, and the opposition comes into power in the future, there is a significant risk of retaliation against those who defected or were favoured under the ruling party. This could perpetuate a cycle of political vendettas and further undermine stability and governance.
Erosion of Democratic Values:
The recent suspension of internet services in various parts of India during protests or elections highlights the erosion of democratic values and the government’s willingness to suppress dissent. Additionally, the manipulation of media narratives and crackdowns on freedom of speech further erode the foundation of democracy.
Creation of Weak Leadership:
The prevalence of opportunistic alliances and the prioritization of loyalty over competence often result in the promotion of leaders who lack vision, integrity, and the ability to govern effectively. This weakens governance and perpetuates a cycle of mediocrity in leadership.
Deterioration of Political Culture:
The rise of populism, identity politics, and divisive rhetoric have polarized society and undermined the spirit of cooperation and consensus-building in politics. This culture of polarization and intolerance stifles constructive dialogue and hampers progress.
Stifling Dissent and Innovation:
The arrest of activists, journalists, and dissenting voices under draconian laws like the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) stifles dissent and innovation. Fear of reprisals silences those who dare to question authority, leading to a chilling effect on creativity and innovation in society.
Despite the facts we have witnessed in the last 10 years of the present ruling govt, nothing seems to be changing soon. If the 2024 arrives with the thumping majority, which looks likes to be almost assured, all we can pray is to be ready for more betrayal and calamities in the Indian political scenario, which will make shift the paradigm to the worst levels from where it will be almost impossible to make a comeback unless the axis shifts to some other power center.
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