Corruption pervades all fields linked to the establishment from time immemorial. What’s special now is that, with time, its sweep – and the greed of bureaucrats and politics is growing to humungous levels. The freewheeling corruption taking place today was unimaginable even two decades ago. Lack of strong reform-minded leaders at the helm worsens the scenario. Curiously, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of Arivind Kejriwal that came into being 10 years ago too is today in the shadow of suspicion vis-à-vis the Delhi Liquor Scam. CBI on Sunday granted a plea from deputy chief minister and excise minister Manish Sisodia for a postponement of its scheduled evidence-taking from him vis-à-vis the state’s disbanded liquor sales policy. The policy introduced in 2021 had been withdrawn following criticism and by citing other reasons. One serious allegation linked to this was that a liquor racket titled South Group had paid Rs 100 crore as bribe to the ruling AAP for use in the party’s Goa assembly election campaign. AAP denies this and says the policy aimed only at ending state role in liquor sale and generating more income to the exchequer – Rs 9,000 crore. The CBI has made some arrests and speculations are that even Sisodia himself might be arrested — either on valid grounds or to shame/spite the AAP.
Without doubt, AAP is running a government that is least corrupt. This is evident in multiple sectors, and in most pronounced ways. This, however, is not to give a clean chit to the party vis-à-vis the CBI investigations into the liquor-related case. Whoever is involved in a case is perceived to be guilty unless proven otherwise in a court trial. Fact is also that many criminals escape punishment by virtue of their money power or influence and brand themselves as “innocent.” Perceived truth is different from absolute truth. Society is generally helpless. For, the court carries with it the last word. Another aspect that must not go unnoticed vis-à-vis the liquor case is the need for political parties to organise funds for elections. With the BJP pumping money in huge quantities for every election since 2014, the financial requirement for parties to fight polls has spiralled. Once a party enters the fray, its focus is entirely on winning the polls by hook or by crook. Chances of the AAP raising money through unacceptable ways cannot be ruled out. Electoral reforms are still a far cry. The electronic age offers many new possibilities to limit poll expenses. But, the will to effect meaningful reforms is sadly lacking on the part of the Modi government.
