Corruption Cases against Opposition Leaders

Asia News Agency

Corruption Cases against Opposition Leaders

Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia is the latest opposition politician to have been raided by the anti-corruption body, CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation).  A corruption case has been registered against him.  Political observers say there is  credibility in the view that the BJP is seeking to tarnish all possible opposition leaders who could present a challenge to them in 2024. 

This, writes The Tribune follows a “pattern of action against political rivals of the ruling party that has become so predictable that it raises doubts about the independent functioning of Central agencies, and the process of investigation itself. The government may brush aside the Opposition’s allegations of misuse of premier probe agencies as confirmation of party leaders being caught on the wrong side of the law, but the exclusive focus on political opponents is no coincidence. A shift of loyalties to the ruling party has been proven to provide instant immunity.”

Prime Minister Modi, in his Independence Day speech, spoke of his desire to wage a decisive battle against corruption. “However, mixing politics with policy can be counter-productive. A proactive approach ahead of elections, during government formation and the focused attention on only those who do not align themselves with the BJP, or are outspoken critics, only undermine the sanctity of the mission. It is all the more damaging when a protective shield is on offer for those willing to switch sides.”

 

Not just BJP, Congress did the same 

These tactics of unleashing of investigating agencies against those on the opposite side of the political trenches,  is not new, writes The Tribune.  “The Congress, when it was in power, did not spare any effort in ensuring erosion of their powers and hence, their credibility. The concern at this point of time is the sweeping subjugation of the institutions that are meant to uphold all that the Constitution stands for. The widening trust deficit can have serious repercussions, especially in the fight against corruption.”

 

Creation of a unitary state

In a scathing critique of such an approach, Julio Ribeiro (former police chief) writes this is done “to establish a ‘united’, ‘one India’…….” As a result,  the “old elan in the police forces was now dying because of the new role being played by the Central investigating agencies…..” Central para military forces like the CRPF or CISF are also used for the purpose. Such act only help the “unitary state to come into being.”

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