The Underlying Corruption in Politics Across the Globe

As society morality declines, so too does the political system suffer. This decline is a cycle that is mirrored repeatedly, from figures like Gandhi and Atal Bihari V preamble to the current waves of corruption in our political systems. Corruption permeates every level of today's governance, affecting not just developing nations like India, but many countries around the world.

Corruption in India: A Persistent Illness

India’s political landscape has seen a significant rise in corruption over the past few decades. To a large extent, corruption is seen as the status quo, with various appointed and elected officials entangled in this web of unethical behavior. Several high-ranking government officials, including members of the police force, have started to engage in corrupt practices to save themselves from legal repercussions and to maintain their political power.

Historical Corruption and Changing Dynamics

During the early part of the 21st century, several prominent political figures, like Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajiv Gandhi, maintained a strong focus on the development of the country rather than their personal interests. However, this trend has shifted significantly. Today, it is reported that more than 90% of leaders in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are under investigation or facing legal battles. Notably, even the BJP's chief ministers, like L.M. in Madhya Pradesh, have been implicated in corruption scandals. The looting of public property, such as 50 hectares of land, while ascended to the post of a state chief, exemplifies the depth of corruption.

Contracting Corruption: From Elections to Infrastructure

The practice of acquiring political positions through corrupt means has extended beyond small-scale corruption to large-scale infrastructure projects. For instance, in the case of the Andhra Pradesh Tribal Rehabilitation and Livelihoods Program (Andhra Pradesh Tribal Renewable Livelihood Scheme, or ATRLS), it has been reported that contracts for educational positions often involve corrupt practices. This includes the recruitment of contract teachers and the removal of efficient teachers, leading to a decline in educational standards. Similarly, the BJP government has been accused of awarding contracts to political allies and those it deems favorable, with a 50-50 split of the profits.

Democracy Under Siege: Voting and Electoral Malpractices

Digital voting systems, like the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), have brought a level of transparency to the electoral process, but they have also been subjected to scrutiny over their reliability. Reports suggest that EVMs can be tampered with, leading to potential manipulation. A clear example is the case of the Andhra Pradesh State Congress Party, where they have been found to add votes to their favor before the electronic machines count.

Public and Private Property: A Shift in Governance

The shift from public to private property and industries under the control of politicians is another alarming trend. Public service jobs, especially in sectors like railways and defense, are now under private ownership. The exact percentage of state jobs held by general public versus political appointees is difficult to ascertain, as the government does not disclose this information.

Conclusion: Transparency and Accountability in Governance

While there are few instances of individuals working honestly in various organizations, the overall trend is alarming. It is crucial to combat corruption through stringent measures, transparency, and accountability. Until a significant shift is achieved, the governance landscape will continue to be marred by corruption, affecting the lives of millions of citizens.