How is India faring in the battle against corruption | In Focus podcast
Apr 8, 2024
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Exploring the impact of corporate influence in politics, biased enforcement agencies, and selective prosecutions on corruption in India. Discussion on Supreme Court judgment on electoral bonds and its impact. Addressing pervasive corruption in Indian society and distinguishing between small and systemic corruption.
Selective targeting of opposition politicians in corruption investigations undermines anti-corruption efforts in India.
Supreme Court judgment on electoral bonds aims to reduce corruption, prevent corporate influence in elections, and increase transparency in campaign financing.
Deep dives
Selective Targeting in Anti-Corruption Efforts
The podcast delves into the issue of selective targeting in anti-corruption actions in India. It highlights that a majority of corruption investigations target opposition politicians, raising concerns about political influence on law enforcement agencies. This selective approach is criticized by international entities like Germany, the US, and the United Nations for potentially undermining the credibility of India's electoral processes. The discussion emphasizes the need for unbiased and fair anti-corruption efforts to uphold the integrity of elections.
Impact of Supreme Court Judgment on Electoral Bonds
The episode discusses the significance of a Supreme Court judgment related to electoral bonds in combating corruption in India. The ruling aims to curb political deal-making and prevent the influence of corporate entities in elections. By restricting the anonymity and extent of financial contributions, the judgment is expected to reduce corruption, prevent corporate takeovers of elections, and enhance transparency in campaign financing. It is noted that while corruption may persist, the judgment sets a precedent for greater accountability and oversight in political funding.
Systemic Corruption and National Impact
The podcast addresses the prevalence of systemic corruption in India and its far-reaching consequences. It distinguishes between small-scale bribery and large-scale corruption involving national resources and public health. Emphasizing the dangers of corruption in critical sectors like pharmaceuticals and national security contracts, the discussion underlines the societal impact of corruption. By highlighting the need to address systemic corruption and prioritize integrity in governance, the episode calls for comprehensive efforts to combat corruption at all levels.
If the data relating to electoral bonds placed the spotlight on corporate entities buying favours from political parties, the actions of enforcement agencies point to officials taking cues from their political masters in going after opposition politicians.
The Indian Express newspaper reported on April 3 that as many as 23 out of 25 prominent politicians who crossed over to the BJP since 2014 earned a reprieve from prosecution.
So, how is India faring in the battle against corruption? Or is selective targeting reducing the campaign against corruption to a farce?
Guest: Vipul Mudgal, Director of Common Cause, a Delhi-based NGO, and a Trustee of the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
Host: Amit Baruah, Senior Associate Editor, The Hindu.
Edited by Sharmada Venkatasubramnian.
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