- Observing that corruption has always been an integral part of electoral politics, Vedika Jain says that in the run up to the 2024 general elections, parties seem to be aware of the government’s efforts at combating it. The ruling party through a combination of policy initiatives, institutional reforms, and enforcement measures, has displayed its commitment to rooting out this malaise from the system and restoring public trust in governance.
Corruption has been a very important issue in Indian politics, one that has even pulled down governments. During his speech on the occasion of the 76th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the twin challenges of corruption and nepotism and called out the need to curb them for the country’s development.
In the lead-up to the 2024 general elections in India, the political parties in the country find themselves in a significantly changed space, one that has been shaped majorly by the government’s relentless pursuit of combating corruption over the past decade.
Corruption has long been a pervasive issue in Indian politics, undermining trust in public institutions and hindering socio-economic progress. However, the BJP’s concerted efforts to tackle this scourge have not only garnered public support but also positioned the party as a beacon of integrity and accountability.
Stifling growth
India’s struggle with corruption had been a longstanding challenge, with various segments of society impacted by its corrosive effects. Corruption had permeated every facet of governance, stifling growth and perpetuating inequality. The pervasive nature of corruption had eroded public confidence in political institutions and fuelled disillusionment among the people.
The corruption conundrum in Indian Politics has been a topic of discussion for years, with countless cases and scandals surfacing over time. It can take various forms including embezzlement of public funds, bribery, and nepotism. The country’s vastness and diversity, the heterogenous nature of its political economy and most importantly lack of political will had made it extremely challenging to combat corruption effectively.
Owing to the sheer population size of the country, the extent of corruption – scale and scope – has been vast in India. Corruption can affect all aspects of development of a country and the life of a common man.
Countering corruption
In the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for the year 2023 by Transparency International, India stood with Maldives, Kazakhstan and Lesotho, securing the 93rd position out of a total of 180 countries. India’s score was 39, one point more from what it was in 2022 when it held the 85th position, on a scale of zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
Government have been introducing various measures to address corruption, including the introduction of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, and the Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2014. Corruption in India is a multiheaded demon that has permeated and crippled many aspects of governance, public administration, etc. However, more efforts are needed to address the root causes of this social ill to further a more transparent and accountable governance system.
Recognising the urgent need to address corruption, the BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, embarked on a comprehensive anti-corruption agenda. The party’s commitment to eradicating corruption was evident in its election manifesto, policy initiatives, institutional reforms, and enforcement measures aimed at rooting out the malfeasance from the system.
Policy initiatives and more
The BJP government introduced a series of policy measures to combat corruption effectively. The implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime that aimed to streamline tax administration, reduce opportunities for tax evasion, and enhance transparency in fiscal operations was one of the most significant moves. Additionally, the demonetisation drive was intended to curb black money circulation and eliminate unaccounted wealth from the economy.
Institutional reforms were another cornerstone of the BJP’s anti-corruption strategy. The establishment of specialised anti-corruption bodies and empowering them bolstered the government’s capacity to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption effectively. Strengthening regulatory frameworks and enhancing oversight mechanisms were also prioritised to prevent corrupt practices and hold wrongdoers accountable.
The BJP government has demonstrated a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption through robust enforcement measures. High-profile anti-corruption campaigns, such as ‘Operation Clean Money’ targeted individuals and entities engaged in corrupt activities, sending a strong message that impunity would not be tolerated. Stringent penalties and swift judicial action against offenders underscored the government’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and restoring public faith in the justice system.
Curbing economic offences
By leading from the front, the Modi government has strived hard to win on the plank of eradicating corruption from the roots. Notably, there have been no scams during the Modi government’s two tenures and zero tolerance for corruption is being upheld at the top of the administrative pyramid. The government has also been proactive in curbing economic offences and generation of black money.
The Modi government accepted several recommendations made by the court-monitored SIT, whose establishment was one of the first decisions by his cabinet. More than Rs 70,000 crore of black money was detected by the SIT of which Rs 16,000 crore was resting in offshore accounts.
Another remarkable feat by the government was the enactment of the long pending Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act, 2016 that enabled confiscation of Benami property and prosecution of Benamidar and the beneficial owner. As part of this, 24 dedicated Benami Prohibition Units (BPUs) have been set up for swift action on Benami properties.
The Black Money (Undisclosed Foreign Income and Assets) and Imposition of Tax Act, 2015 also brought in by the Modi government permits penalty up to ‘90 per cent of the value of an undisclosed asset in addition to tax at 30 per cent’ even rigorous imprisonment. The Fugitive Economic Offenders Act was enacted in 2018 by the Modi government that empowered the investigating and law enforcement agencies to catch absconding economic offenders and confiscate their assets. The Fugitive Economic Offenders (Procedure for Conducting Search and Seizure), Rules, 2018 ensure faster attachment and confiscation of assets.
Electoral confidence
The BJP’s relentless efforts to combat corruption have resonated well with the electorate and has shaped public perception in a positive way influencing the political dynamics. The party’s proactive stance against corruption has positioned it as a credible force for change, earning the trust and support of voters disillusioned with the status quo. This government has done what several previous governments failed to do. The perception of this government as one committed to transparency and accountability has bolstered its electoral prospects, particularly among segments of the population disillusioned with the rampant corruption that plagued previous administrations.
As India prepares for the 2024 elections, the BJP’s track record in combating corruption is poised to be a defining factor in shaping its electoral fortunes. The party’s unwavering commitment to integrity and accountability has solidified its image as a responsible steward of public resources and a champion of good governance. The electorate’s recognition of the BJP’s anti-corruption efforts is likely to translate into electoral support, providing the party with a significant advantage in the upcoming elections.
Through a combination of policy initiatives, institutional reforms, and enforcement measures, the party has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to rooting out this ill from the system and restoring public trust in governance. As India enters a new electoral cycle, the BJP’s anti-corruption agenda stands as a testament to its vision of a transparent and accountable government, setting the stage for a transformative journey towards a corruption-free India.
Vedika Jain is a legal researcher with www.thewomansurvivor.com – an initiative of DraftCraft International to protect and empower women by bringing on one platform the latest on rights and issues, strategic case studies, state initiatives and informed legal opinions.