[ad_1]
By Avinaw Rajvansh : The recently announced Karnataka Assembly election results have etched a significant chapter in the state’s political landscape, as the Congress party created history by securing the largest vote share by any party in the past 34 years. In the 2023 Assembly election, the grand-old party emerged triumphant, capturing an impressive 135 seats and garnering an astounding 42.88 per cent of the vote share. This remarkable achievement marks the party’s biggest victory in Karnataka since 1989.
On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) experienced a considerable setback, securing only 66 seats out of the 224-member House. This represents a decline of 38 seats compared to their previous victory in 2018, where they won 104 seats.
In the race up to the elections, the Congress party swiftly capitalized on the ‘40 per cent commission’ label, making corruption their primary electoral plank and directing their criticism towards the BJP government. The ruling party already faced anti-incumbency sentiments and a change in leadership at the top. Skillfully, leveraging this vulnerability, the Congress employed the campaign slogan: ‘40% Sarkara, BJP means Brashtachara’ (40% government, BJP means corruption).
ALSO READ | Congress ad in newspapers urges voters to shun ‘40% sarkara’
To address the issue of corruption, the Congress launched a series of publicity campaigns that directly targeted the government. One particularly innovative approach was the “Pay CM” campaign, which featured posters adorned with a QR code and a photograph of Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, titled ‘PayCM’. These eye-catching posters became ubiquitous across Bengaluru, igniting curiosity and shedding light on the issue of corruption.
While Congress extensively utilized digital and print campaigns to relentlessly scrutinize the BJP’s alleged corruption for nearly a year, the ruling party primarily adopted a defensive strategy, attempting to evade the accusations.
The election results and the Congress’ anti-corruption campaign in Karnataka serve as a reminder of the significance of corruption as a political issue. During key chapters in Indian political history, corruption has emerged as a pivotal factor in determining the fate of incumbent governments. Two prominent instances that vividly exemplify this are the cases involving VP Singh and Manmohan Singh.
ALSO READ | Congress on Karnatic song as BJP bombs in Karnataka
ALSO READ | From Bofors to Rafale: Dubious defence deals that rocked India
VP Singh’s battle: The Bofors controversy
India’s former Prime Minister VP Singh catapulted corruption into the national spotlight through his relentless pursuit of the Rajiv Gandhi government in connection with the controversial Bofors gun deal. His anti-corruption crusade transcended mere rhetoric when he made the courageous decision to resign from the Cabinet and take his cause to the streets.
In 1984, Rajiv Gandhi assumed the role of Prime Minister, appointing Singh as the Finance Minister. Singh was later reassigned to the Defense Ministry after he orchestrated raids against prominent tax evaders.
During his tenure in the Defense Ministry, the Bofors controversy surfaced, prompting VP Singh to launch an investigation into the HDW submarine deal. As a result of the controversy, he resigned from his position as Defense Minister and also parted ways with the Congress party in 1987.
ALSO READ | How kingmaker JDS ended up making Congress the undisputed king
In the 1989 general elections, Singh emerged as a champion for the middle class. The discourse surrounding corruption during this period took on a deeply personal tone, fuelling a surge of anti-Congress sentiment. The allegations of corruption related to defense deals became the focal point of the 1989 Lok Sabha elections, ultimately leading to the Congress party’s defeat.
Despite securing the largest number of seats, the Congress failed to secure an absolute majority in the House. With only 197 seats in the Lok Sabha, their count was significantly lower compared to the commanding majority they had achieved in the previous election, winning an unprecedented mandate of 415 seats in 1984.
This pivotal moment in India’s political landscape marked a historic turning point where corruption played a decisive role in bringing down the incumbent government at the Centre.
ALSO READ | ‘Bofors scandal marked several watersheds in India’
Manmohan Singh’s downfall: Corruption charges take a toll
The second tenure of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, led by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, was marred by a series of significant corruption allegations that had far-reaching consequences for the administration.
During this period, numerous high-profile scams came to light, including those involving the Commonwealth Games, the allocation of 2G spectrum and coal blocks, the Adarsh Housing Society and the Railways graft scandal. These allegations struck at the heart of governance, leading to the resignation or removal of several ministers and leaders.
Despite Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s reputation for personal integrity, the weight of these corruption scandals proved insurmountable. The charges tarnished the government’s image and eroded public trust. The administration’s inability to address these allegations effectively further intensified public outcry and scrutiny.
ALSO READ | With 7 questions, TMC targets Modi govt over Parliament ruckus
Amidst this backdrop, the ‘India against Corruption’ movement gained momentum in 2011-12, drastically shifting the political landscape. The fasting protest led by Anna Hazare at the Ramlila ground, along with the demand for a parliamentary ombudsman, fuelled the call for change.
Emerging as a driving force, Narendra Modi secured a massive and unprecedented victory in the 2014 general elections. His campaign effectively capitalized on the rising anti-corruption sentiments among the people. Modi’s promise of “Na khaunga, na khane doonga” (I will neither engage in corruption nor allow others to do so) resonated as a direct commitment to the electorate.
Additionally, his pledge to repatriate black money hidden in tax havens and Swiss bank accounts, which was perceived as a significant threat to the nation’s economy, struck a chord with voters.
ALSO READ | On Planning Commission revamp, PM Modi quotes Manmohan Singh
Consequently, the Manmohan Singh-led alliance suffered a defeat in the subsequent elections, serving as another instance where corruption played a pivotal role in influencing a government’s fate.
Kejriwal’s anti-corruption against Sheila Dikshit
Arvind Kejriwal also employed corruption as a potent weapon to challenge and ultimately oust the Sheila Dikshit government in Delhi prior to Manmohan Singh’s defeat in 2014. In 2012, Kejriwal and his newly formed Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) emerged as a formidable force, dedicated to combating corruption and driving political transformation.
Kejriwal and his party directed their focus toward the Sheila Dikshit government, shedding light on numerous corruption allegations and scandals that had marred her administration. They accused the government of widespread corruption, nepotism, and inefficiency, particularly within crucial sectors such as power distribution, public works, and transportation.
ALSO READ | Delhi Assembly election 2013 result: Arvind Kejriwal wins battle for Delhi, defeats Sheila but edged out by BJP
During the 2013 Delhi Assembly elections, the AAP adeptly capitalized on the prevalent discontent with corruption, positioning themselves as a viable alternative to the incumbent government. They presented a robust anti-corruption agenda, pledging to establish a clean and transparent administration.
The AAP’s strategic approach yielded remarkable results, as they achieved a significant victory by securing 28 out of the 70 seats in the Delhi Assembly. Notably, Kejriwal himself triumphed over Sheila Dikshit in her own constituency, delivering a symbolic blow to her government.
Kejriwal’s triumph in employing corruption as a tool to dismantle the Sheila Dikshit government underscored the electorate’s escalating demand for accountability and transparency. It also exemplified the potential of an anti-corruption platform in reshaping the political landscape and effecting substantial electoral change.
[ad_2]
