Whoever said that “corruption is a global phenomenon” might have India in mind. People sneered at late Indira Gandhi when she repeated this quote in the 80’s but she was right in saying this considering the extent of its far and wide reach in the realm of everyday life. Though corruption existed from time immemorial in one form or the other today it has pervaded every facet of our lives and ever since the IPL tamasha has come out in the open throwing light on the involvement of politicians in the murky deal, the public is exposed to a series of corruption-related issues. It is corruption that added extra spice to the IPL cocktail drama. Medical Council of India (MCI) Chairman Ketan Desai, Indian Woman diplomat-turned spy, Senior IAS officer accepting bribe of 25 lakhs, Nithyananda Swamy having Rs. 32 crores in his account - are some of the recent events that give us a slice of the bigger cake of corruption prevalent in our country.
Before these events came out in the public domain there was the issue of Madhu Koda amassing wealth up to the tune of Rs. 4000 crores, our Behenji (Maya Mem Sahib) dipping herself in diamonds, gold, silver and amassing properties worth crores and still the CBI giving her clean chit, the YSR family scandal, the Reddy bothers of Karnataka and their mining money, the Shibu Soren episode are still fresh in the public mind. The recent addition has been the shocking news of MCI President Ketan Desai amassing according to CBI, not a few crores but about 2500 crores in cash and 1500 kg gold and other properties is just a slice of the larger pie called corruption. Once again it exposes the deadly nexus of bureaucracy, politicians-bollywood and criminals looting and eating away the vitals of our nation.
It can be seen from these incidents that money is the epicenter of these entire sordid saga. Indian diplomat in Pakistan Madhu Gupta could risk herself for the sake of money and could be for a more lucrative offer which she could not resist. Lalit Modi dug his own grave and is burying himself in it by becoming too greedy, wanting to amass more mulla. It is now believed that there could be much greater and more dreadful news emanating from across the border in the form of another diplomat turned-spy whose treachery to the nation might be very detrimental to the security of the country. Only money could entice him to do this.
With the façade put on by the suave and articulate Shashi Tharoor falling flat in the IPL fiasco and the involvement of another high profile politician Praful Patel also coming out in the open it can be boldly assumed that politicians are the other name for corruption. And for the record, all these so called netaas get away with the loot, and continue to be in high and influential positions and carry on with their deadly shenanigans with ‘money” does most of the work. One wonders what prompts these wealthy stinking rich politicians to ‘serve’ the public when they are croropathis having millions staked in the baks. Isn’t it the lure of more money? Indeed, we don’t have even an instance of even one politician who has put behind bars for corruption which in itself exposes our lack of will or concern towards such a vital issue. What we have seen or heard is only a small tip of the iceberg. The police, the judiciary, the military and even the common man are embroiled in corruption. The problems of Maoist, Naxalites, terrorism, intolerance, politics of hatred are all the result of ever increasing corruption , to hang on to power and through power amass wealth. .
In India politics seems to be the one and only and surefire way of amassing huge wealth in a short time and getting away with it. It does not matter such politicians belong to rival political parties. When it comes to the crunch they all follow the principle of ‘you pat my back I will scratch yours’. Our Behenji Mayavati’s BSP coming to the rescue of Congress party in parliament during yesterdays voting seems to be a quid-pro-quo for the favours shown by CBI by giving her a clean chit in the disproportionate assets case.
We the citizens have taken the easy way of resigning to our fate when we are equally to be blamed for giving such a long rope to our politicians to carry on with their follies and frailties. Criminals, anti national and anti social elements and hooligans have taken recourse in politics and have institutionalized corruption. Who can we blame for the debasement of democracy? Our own lethargy and indifference have brought us on the verge of a deadly precipice from where there seems to be no point of return. We have not demanded accountability and continue to re-elect people who keep hoodwinking us during every elections.
To further add insult to injury having tasted both power and wealth these politicians now ensure the entry of their kith and kin in the dirty and murky political field to enjoy the fruits of the ill-gotten wealth. It is sad that we have slowly moved towards democratic monarchy with power and wealth concentrating in the hands of a few. But who cares! We don’t not want to disturb the cozy and systematic life we are leading within the precincts of the four corners of our homes. We have a tendency to wake up only when problem surfaces at our doorstep.
Karnataka Lokayukta has netted many corrupt officials and newspapers have dutifully splashed the news and photographs giving wide publicity. But what has happened to them? Nothing I suppose. That is why our own Lokayukta Santhosh Hegde was crying hoarse saying his hard work goes wasted without any guilty officer paying a price for his misdemeanor.
Supreme Court has commented that even god cannot save this country from corruption. So what is the alternative left for us except to wait for destiny!
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