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Historical Review of General Elections in India

Research · March 2021

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.25818.88006

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 Historical Review of General Elections in India

Our democracy was heading towards anarchy and fragmentation and public appeared
greatly anguished and disturbed at the debasement of politics. Democracy and democratic
institutions have to be nurtured if they are to evolve and grow .Politician commanded
the least respect, they were ridiculed and shunned for their selfish interest and
unprincipled favours. They had let down interests of the general public and the country at
large. The several scams had put the country to the greatest shame in the international
community. Dedication for service and integrity were missing and bureaucracy was
supporting the political heads to serve their own interest. Rampart corruptions,
inefficiency, a lack of sense of responsibility and tardy delays had become routine affairs
The pace at which we proceed towards maturity depends on awareness of the voter, free
and fair polls, responsible political parties, honest and capable persons contesting
elections & so on.,

. Like many other countries, in India also Coalition or Alliance governments have become a
practice due to existence of multiparty system .Today India is the case for consociational theory
means there is sharing of power. Congress was the most leading parties of India which formed
its Coalition Governments from 2004-2014.Many factors were responsible for the end of One
Party rule and formation of coalition governments such as existence of multiparty system,
emergence of regional parties and socioeconomic factors. United Progressive Alliance –UPA,in
its tenure from 2004-2014 faced both good and bad consequences such as delay in decision
making ,intraparty tension, power without responsibility and so on. Complete decimation of
Congress in many states and weakening of much personality led regional parties certainly points to a long
term, substantive turn in Indian electoral politics. This has been achieved through a mix of personality
cult and massive organizational efficiency not seen in a long time.

If we look at the historical development of National Governments over the years, we find that in the late
80s, Indian Political Scenario changed a lot and no single Party got majority. Many Short term
governments came into existence and many midterm elections happened.

• Till 1975- Congress Rule existed

• In 1977-First Non congress National Government (Internal pressures proved disastrous and in
1979 Desai Government fell)
• 1989-1991-India got a Coalition Government under National Front (Two congress P M were V.P
Singh and Chandrashekhar,the latter got support from Congress )
• 1991-Congress formed Stable Minority Government for 5 years(P.V Narsimha Rao).Many
opposition parties failed to be united and interestingly many opposition members also joined
Congress Government (Party splits and also merging )
• Till 1998-Coalition Government continued. During this time many midterm elections took
place and 3 PMs in 2 years were seen ,thus forcing the country back to the polls.
 • 1999-2004-First Successful Coalition Government –BJP Led National Democratic
Alliance-NDA under Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

UPA-Coalition Government of Congress-Consisting of 13 separate parties having different

ideologies both regional and National parties.

-No Party won absolute majority.

-UPA government had alliance with NCP and DMK also.

-Sonia Gandhi declined the post of P.M and appointed Dr. Man Mohan Singh as
P.M. She continued to be Party President and headed National Advisory Council-NAC

--Having 222 seats in Parliament, UPA focused on Social Inclusion and welfare of
Common people.

S.P(39 M.Ps),Bahujan Samajwadi Party (!9MPs) all supported UPA at different times.

U.P.A had no simple majority on its own, rather relied on the External support to win
confidence in the Parliament.

UPA-had common Minimum Programme . It was influenced by Left Front of Jyoti Basu and
Harkishan Singh Surjeet. Leadership of Man Mohan Singh was praised worldwide when
Pranab Mukerjeesaid that he got the maximum autonomyi.Swaminathan A,Aiyar wrote Man
Mohan Singh will be remembered in history who as FM launched India’s Economic
Reforms(1991) and the P.M who presided over 8.5%GDP growth for most of a decade. ii

Few social Reform Bills during the First Term of UPA government

- -----Employment Guarantee Bill

-------- -Right to Information Act

----------- -Right to Education Act

In 2004, failure of BJP was due to India Shining Slogan,the BJP just got nine seats
less than the Congress. The BJP lost because of Gujarat 2002, as they could not
fire Narendra Modi so many regional parties which were earlier with BJP, left
giving support .and the Congress supporters wanted to give credit to something
they called it India was shining and ensured the public of providing Inclusive
growth. But the government did the same with the economy as the previous
government had done

Election 2009-
 In 2009, the incumbent came back with a larger majority than the previous one,
because India had never seen years of continued high growth. But the congress
undermined UPA 2, and people got angry with the congress scams and corruption
and looking for an alternative , they brought Narendra Modi .People expected him
to bring something similar to Gujrat ,though he did not. He could not bring
growth.
Election 2014-

In 16th lok sabha election U PA and especially Congress lost its Popular support(only 44
seats) due to

----Poor economic condition

------Series of corruption allegations against government officials(Common Wealth Games

scam of 2010,The 2 g spectrum case and Coal Gate scam

However we cannot ignore that UPA had passed many commendable Reform Bills such as
Employment Guarantee Bill, The Right to Information, Right to Education Act . But many scams
and corruption cases affected its popularity and that led to its defeat in 2014election. Despite of
its positive contributions towards MREGA and in the field of Education.

Over the past decade, corruption has left an indelible stain on Indian society hampering
both growth and & its ability to improve living standards. India has been rocked by
repeated scandals from Rolls Royee defence scam to Common Wealth Games scam,
which had undermined faith in politicians and public figures and prompted mass outcry
and protests.. A free and fair poll, representative character of the legislature is essential
for democratic governance. The criminalization of politics is an affected phenomenon.
The shifting loyalties for personal gains even and after the electoral verdict create greater
instability. Today government ceases to reflect the people’s will.

General election 2014, was not different from any other previously held election, rather
it was an important election in more ways than one. As we move into the historic event,
issues like secularism, federalism, economic reforms and corruption are being debated
passionately both by the intelligentsia and the wider public. Though nobody yet knew the
likely countours of the new government which had to come to power,.Going by the
numerous opinion polls, reported in the media, change in government appeared
inevitable. Though regime change through periodic elections is a routine matter in a
democracy. but this issue was being debated having deep rooted implications for our
democracy. Corruption was an issue ,that had remained on the boil, for quite some time
leading to the election and then it had emerged as one of the decisive issues among
others like rising inflation, weakening economy, unemployment and secularism.

Wither Indian democracy and state : corruption was the key issue in General
Election 2014.

Issue of corruption as it has evolved over the years and the increasing importance
attached to it not just as on election issue but as an issue that is likely to affect Indian
democracy and its institutional systems and processes in multiple ways in the coming
years. Elections have been used by the persons involved in big scams to white wash their
crime. A majority of Indians of all generations see corruption as a wide spread problem.
They also think no government is doing enough do combat it and this issue had emerged
in this elections 2014.

Since 2010, social activists have pursued anti-corruption measures, from informal
protests against rampant corruption, the anti corruption movement has evolved into a
political narrative targeting both the incumbent Congress party and a wider culture of
apathy that pervades all levels of Indian life. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)? formed in
2012, aimed to translate popular resentment into political action and electoral success,
using the broomstick as its symbol and portraying itself as the only party that can clean
up politics. In its first foray into politics in 2013, AAP ousted the Congress party from
power in the Delhi state elections, established a minority government in the national
capital and positioned corruption as a big ticket item on the national agenda.

While Indian electors have always been politically vociferous, stalling economic growth
has encouraged people to seek both a change in government and a shift in the standards to
which those in public office are accountable. The corruption narrative resonates
particularly with middle-class urban voters and has been seized by the media to chide
politicians and urge change. It is also a political football, kicked around by the AAP and
the saffron flag-waving Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to woo middle-class urban voters.
Corruption had become the spur for middle class dissent and pragmatic politicians now
highlight it in their manifestos.

In general election 2014, corruption and infrastructure were the main agenda. Tens of
millions of Indians headed for the voting booths on 7th April, 2014. Around 110 million
voters were registered to vote in 92 constitutions located in 14 states across the country,
this was about a fifth of the total number of seats in Indian parliament. The polling day
with the biggest number of constituencies involved was 17th April when voters decided
the outcome of 122 seats. On 24th April, 117 seats were decided and corruption was one
of the decisive factor.

Corruption as an issue means secularization of the agenda.

Corruption has not become so rampant and perpetuated overnight but in course of time.
When we talk of corruption, it covers corruption in politics, state governments, central
governments, business, industry everywhere. People have grown insatiable appetite for
money in them and they can go to any extent to get money. Undoubtedly they & even we
talk of morality and value based life but that is for our show, our inner voice is of
something else. It is always seen that the officers who are deputed to look into the matter
of corruption turn out to be corrupt. The network of corruption goes on and remains
undeterred. But there is other positive perspective attached with it, that is raising
importance of corruption as an election issue points to the gradual secularization of
other agenda beyond traditional modes of mobilization on the basis of caste and
community. This is my perception that when we start talking about corruption as an
electoral agenda, other issue of caste; class are left behind and electoral behavior is no
more guided by any particular religion or caste, rather people from all religion and
caste get united to fight against corruption and start supporting the candidate and
party which can combat corruption.
Sudden emergence of AAP and victory of Arvind Kejriwal was reflection of peoples’
frustration towards corruption. The party feels that common people of India remain
unheard and unseen except when it suits the politicians. It wanted to reverse the way that
the accountability of government operates and has taken an interpretation of the Gandhi
an concept of Swaraj as a tenet. This is a sign of a maturing democracy. It also means an
enhanced sense of citizens rights, which is the very essence of democracy.

Fragmentation on the basis of religion was taking a back seat and all communities
were desperate to fight with corruption. If congress party and its ministers were charged
with corruption, so was the case with BJP governments in all the states1. Indians Muslim
council, USA had sited long list of scams and scandals of BJP – Kargilwar coffins / arms
scam-2001, defence deals scandals- 2001, cash for query scams 2005, development fund
(MPLADS scheme) scam- 2005, Chhattisgarh corruption Scandal- 2003, land allotment
scam 2002, Ekal Vidyalaya scam 1999-2005 Petrol pump and gas agencies scam 2002,

1
Corruption scams and scandals of the BJP governments April 2006 INC-USA special
education digest
2. Web links : Define scandals. Rediff archive.

a. http://www.flonnet.com/j/1917/19170230.htm.
b. http://in.rediff.com/nw/2003/mar/300 cong. htm.
c. Coffin scandal unites opposition. 12 Oct. 2011 (http://
www.rediff.com/news/2011/dec./12 coffiee.htm
d. Bribes paid during the course of operation west and (Tahelka)
http://www.tehelka.com/home20041009/operation/investigation41.htm

3.lens on news.com : congress perceived as synonymous with corruption. Mood of the

nation poll (12-16 June 2013).

e.
Jain Hawala scandal and India shining(2). The list of UPA I & II and congress led state
government are equally as lengthy as that of BJP(3).

The ‘Mood of the Nation’ poll had an unambiguous message from the voters that the
congress party was corrupt(4). Stunningly, across all states and in all voter segments there
was unanimity that the congress party was more corrupt than BJP. Rarely do national
surveys exhibited such a widespread and uniform adverse perception across the nation.

When it came to stability for governance, the congress trailed the BJP nationally but
retained its edge over the BJP among the caste and community groups; constituting its
traditional base. This study however was disturbing for the congress as the BJP scored
heavily over the congress in the relative terms.

There was unanimity on the ‘congress is more corrupt perception across all over India in
all states. Further, with the sole exception of Muslims, every other voter group (Urban
rural gender, occupation education and social groups) considered the congress party more
corrupt than the BJP..

Thought most of the high profile scams of the recent past have limited significance for
citizen rights, corruption at lower level of bureaucracy has directly affected the quality of
citizens rights in the country. Over the last few years the big scam during UPA I & II
acted as symbolic drivers of the movement against corruption. The citizens’ rights issues
have successfully piggy backed on this movements. We can safely say that big scams like
2G, Common Wealth Games (WG) Adarsh society did make the Lokpal movement
extremely relevant though the movement was much about creating institutions to prevent
corruption at high places as setting out citizens charters. If we look back at recent history,
it is the first election after 1989 when corruption has assumed so much importance when
VP Singh led the non-congress opposition to a resounding victory.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

4.Chetan Bhattarai, lense on News.

Electoral politics prior to 2014

VP Singh's desperation to carve out a new social support base led him to implement the
Mandal Commission Report supporting reservation for Other Backward Classes. Such a
move led to the gradual splintering of the Janta Dal during the 1990s and led to the rise
2
of caste based parties like Samajwadi Party, Rashtriya Janta Dal. Janta Dai's Odisha
unit too formally christened itself as Biju Janta Dal preferring to drive a regional
agenda. Janta Dal (U) too has been reduced to a regional party chasing a casteist agenda.
This period also witnessed the rise of the BJP riding on the back of a Hindutva agenda.

Economic liberalization of the 1990s was expected to cut down the scope of corruption
in the space of economic decision making. But we hardly saw any significant dip in cases
of corruption given the half-baked nature of our liberalization process. The political
executive and the bureaucracy still enjoyed a lot of discretionary powers for misuse for
example the coal block allocation issue. Even after two decades of the onset of
liberalization, coal blocks continued to be allocated in an arbitrary fashion leading to the
present scam.

Corruption again was back on the agenda though in a very limited way, when during
2006-07 a group of social activists organized themselves as a front essentially to monitor
the accounts of the Commonwealth Games of 2010. Right to information Act, for which
the UFA I Government thoroughly deserves a pat on the back, obviously became a handy
weapon in the hands of such activists. This limited objective of monitoring the Games
gained real momentum only in 2011- 12 when activists like Anna Hazare and Arvind
Kejriwal joined the movement to demand a powerful institutional mechanism like
LokPal. Coming to light of mega scams like CWG and 2G provided the required
momentum to the movements. The exceptional fervor the movement aroused among the
middle class for the first time exhibited that the issue of corruption had gone beyond
political rhetoric and well and truly become a social movement. Most importantly, almost
all major Indian cities carried a reflection of the movement in Delhi, the 2012 Anna
Hazare movement was unprecedented and path breaking.

Emergence of Delhi Regional party-AAP

Common man party abbreviated as AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) came into existence on 26
November 2012 following differences between the activists Arvind Kejriwal and Anna
Hazare regarding whether or not to politicize the popular India against corruption
movement that had been demanding a Jan Lokpal bill since 2011. Hazare preferred that
the movement should remain politically unaligned while Kejriwal felt the failure of the
agitation route necessitated a direct political involvement.

In 2013 Delhi legislative Assembly election, emerging as the second largest party
winning 28 of the 70 seats, the AAP formed a minority government with conditional
support from the Indian National Congress In its election manifesto AAP had declared to
pass a bill for a strong Ombudsman position that would investigate charges against
political leader on a priority basis. But the government resigned after 49 days when no
major parties came to support the bill. The AAP says that the promise of equality and
justice has not been fulfilled and the common man of India remains unheard and unseen.
The AAP believes that through Swaraj the government will be directly accountable to the
people instead of higher officials. The Swaraj model lays stress on self governance,
community building and decentralization. The AAP focused on the issue that they are
Aam aadmis and to change the system if they find the solution in the left they will borrow
from there and if from the right they will be happy to take it from there also. AAP sought
to work against nexus between government and private sector and a gender sensitive
government with stronger anti rape laws. The party conducted public awareness
campaigns to educate people about ‘right to reject’ mobilized it people against inflated
power and electricity bills demanding for auditing of power and electricity supply in
Delhi. The AAP government scrapped foreign direct investment in multi brand retail,
thus preventing development by international business such as Tesco and Wal-Mart. It
also established and ant graft helpline for the citizens to report corrupt officials. As a
chief Minister he had protested on the streets to raise his government demands for a fair
inquiry.

Anticorruption: A narrow ideological base for political success.

The moot question today is whether such a uni-dimensional agenda will be enough to
generate the required political momentum to win elections on a regular basis. I strongly
believe this limited agenda though led to the victory of BJP at national level and also
emergence of new state level party AAP but it has also started limiting AAP’s
effectiveness as a mainstream political party. Political parties per force have to be of
an assimilative nature setting forth a composite ‘rainbow’ agenda including all kinds of
issues facing society as a whole. A wider agenda can potentially appeal to a wider section
of the population. A political party’s ideology needs to mean many things to many
people’. Political voice is not a single issue matter. All parties competing must try to
attract voters on a huge range of issues.

In this general election 2014, while the nationwide mood on corruption was adverse for
the congress party, in states like Punjab and Haryana, the congress was the preferred
party for governance at the centre and among different voter segments, there were some
segments that still supported for the congress rule despite finding the congress to be
corrupt. Less educated voters (58% to 33%), Muslims (75% to 17%) scheduled castes (55
to 33%) scheduled tribed (52% to 41%) and labourers (60 to 34%) believe the congress is
better for governance at the centre than the BJP(10). These supporters perhaps felt that
they were better off and their interests were better protected by the congress rule at the
centre. But the question was would this support be adequate to blunt the adverse electoral
consequences of its corrupt image. .
So far as AAP was concerned, its campaign based around a robust stance on governance,
transparency and mobilized voters on the issue of corruption. What I feel anti corruption
must compete with other key issues. While corruption has been the hot topic in the
election build ups. Its importance will diminish as economic issue substantial tensions
and regional aspirations compete for attention. In a nation where governments are forged
and broken by compromise and coalition the issue of corruption, though populist may
struggle for relevance. Wherever parties appeal to rural population, it is issue such as
food security, access to electricity and prices of vegetables (oniononics) that have real
fraction.It comes from particular communities and is accented by particular
constituencies so parties must choose from a menu of issues such as economic stagnation,
gender, religion ethnic differences etc. This is not to say that the anti corruption
movement does not matter but rather to suggest that corruption is not the only issue
that will mobilize a diverse Indian electorate.

The fight against corruption is going to be a long winding one, not a one legislation
affair. This clearly shows that India still has a long way to go before it can match the
high standard of transparency and anti corruption mechanism of the developed countries.
The socio-economic condition and the cultural environment is still very conducive to
corruption.

Issues before the Voters

If we look back, secularism and stability were the issues before all the parties. In social
terms till 1989 caste played nominal role in the BJP calculations later it made efforts to
grow its clout among backward castes and dalits caste consideration alone led to M.L.
Khurana bring snubbed after his acquittal in the Hawala case. In its search for winnable
candidates, both parties gave tickets to many known criminals in spite of their saying
against the crimalisation of politics.
In 1996 manifestos, BJP emphasized on declaration of assets by elected MP’s within 30
days and stressed for appointing lokpal while congress advocated that all controls that
breed corruption will be weeded out.

. The mandate shaped India’s political landscape for the next five years and was
influenced by a stormy socio political context including protests over violence against
women, a push for gay rights and concerns over rural deprivation and so on.

Change in Leadership-

People of India besides corruption issue, also wanted leadership change - Rahul Gandhi
preferred over Manmohan Singh, but Modi over Rahul Gandhi. Corruption is definitely a
potential dominating issue but political voice is not a single issue matter. Going into this
remarkable election, both the big national parties - Congress and BJP have almost made
an irrefutable commitment to strengthen anti-corruption laws and prosecute the guilty
quickly besides promoting citizen rights. The anti corruption movement began as an
articulation of grassroots of political voice but has been appropriated by political parties
looking for votes.

While Hazare, Kejriwal and the AAP took position centre stage, the big winner in this
discourse was likely to be the Hindu nationalist BJP and their leader Narendra Modi,
perceived as an incorruptible leader (despite accusations of his complicity in the
massacre of over 2000 Muslims in 2002). He can use the anti corruption ticket to
catapult the BJP into a position to form the next coalition government. The AAP in
contrast, remained a party defined by One Man (Kejriwal) One Victory (Delhi) and
One Policy (anti corruption). While the AAP has provided a political platforms for
popular protest, this remained a North Indian, Urban, and middle class rallying call that
fails to resonate in rural areas across the country. Here the charismatic leadership of
Kejriwal is replaced by local activists who generate their own electoral appeal and local
issues trump of critique of national corruption(Post 2014 analysis)
Given the under developed nature of the secular fabric of the society, caste, community
and regional sentiments are easy mobilizing factors for political leaders. Political parties
have always tried to hang onto their social support bases to be successful in their electoral
battles. The 2014 election too did not prove to be much different despite the powerful
anti-corruption movement preceding this election. Corruption during UPA I &II despite
being critical driver of public opinion was not the sole driver of the public mood.

. Crony capitalism unlikely to end in the near future

Crony capitalism is an often repeated allegation against governments both at the states
and the Centre. It's anything but natural in a system with opaque and cumbersome
processes of licensing and asset allocation. Corporate tried to cultivate close relationships
to work out favorable deals for themselves. The 2G spectrum allocation during UPA-I to
select companies flouting all norms and coal block allocations through arbitrary decisions
were clear cases of this, from the recent past. Even as we move into this General
Election, allegations of collusion between government and private companies to increase,
price of natural gas was floating around.

Allegations of crony capitalism are unlikely to end as long as we have non-transparent

laws governing election funding. Political parties continues to depend on corporate
funding raised through extension of unlawful favours. Given the hue and cry raised over
these scams in the recent past and court monitored investigations into them, political
leaders, bureaucrats and corporate will be extremely wary of such deals in the future.
Though we may not completely rule out such deals, the frequency of such deals may
come down.

Electoral Mandate of 2019:Most Decisive to shape the Republic of India

Approx 82 percent of my respondents consented to the observation that election 2019

was the most decisive factor to reshape the Republic of India. However 18 percent felt it
is too early to predict as there are many other hidden truths that might emerge later and
the Ruling Party will face challenges in handling them .
They all accepted that in 2014, corruption, Scams and scandals created ground for
victory of BJP and Modi was rising Star of BJP ,to whom people looked as an alternative
who had served Gujarat three terms as Chief Minister .People were curious about Modi
and his Gujarat Model of Development .

When Bhartiya Janata Party came to power in 2014,it was seen as rare incident but its
victory in 2019 with even bigger mandate had surprised everyone. The changing
countours and dynamics of electoral politics was greatly impacted by BJP,its
organizational strength and caliber, financial resources, usage of technology, unmatched
leadership of Narendra Modi, his ideologies and vision for India’s Development.

The success of BJP forced all the political scientists to re-examine the prevailing theories
of electoral practices, voters perception and behavior,leadership factors, dynamics of
party system and also changing nature of Indian Democracy. India witnessed decline of
National Parties-the Congress and the Left along with many other Regional parties.Power
realignment within the Party also took place and BJP was not an exception to it.

Internal structure and support base of BJP also underwent a change. There has been
gradual rise in the size of middle class in India, people today are more educated and
politically more mature to understand the changing dynamics of Indian Political system.
It provided a broader base for BJP to have more voters to support its cause. Prior to
2014, people from upper castes and class from urban areas and educated middle class
were the support base of BJP,but during 2014-19,there was substantial decline of upper
castes and the OBCs,SCs,STs in sizeable proportion started supporting BJP.

There has been change in the Social basis of Power within the Party as well. The share
of the upper caste has declined but this power realignment is not seen in a positive
perspective by few of my respondents, who predicted that it might pose a challenge for
the BJP leaders in future. To few others, there is changed competitive political space
visible. To them so far as counts of Popular vote and sharing of seats are concerned there
has been complete change..From 1989 to 2014,it was Congress led Coalition
Politics(with the support of state Parties)but after 2014,BJP entry and its continuity in
2019 (with the probability of its continuity in 2024),it will stop development of state level
regional parties if they don’t seek alliance with BJP in their respective states. Their
survival crisis will change the party pattern in India. We have witnessed that how
decline of the RJD and congress and emergence of Modi led BJP in Bihar election -
Nov2020 has changed the voting preference of the voters . It can be seen in other states
too ,thus reorganizing the Party structure in India

My respondents observed that the substantial gain in 2019 can be attributed to the
lowercastes, poor house holds and people from lower areas, who supported and voted for
BJP and Modi due to the benefits they were receiving in Kishan vikas yojna,widow
pension ,Jandhan ,Ladli , Jan Aushadhi yojna and other welfare schemes .This changed
voting preference will reshape and redefine the future of India. Voters in 2019 did not
only vote for BJP rather Modi led BJP or BJP under the leadership of Narendra
Modi.Aspirational Indian Voters were mature enough to differentiate between National
and State level Agendas, they aspired for a strong leader as their Representative who
would be accountable to them ,would meet everyone’s expectation(SABKA
VIKAS),who would understand Indian’s pshyology(MAN KI BAAT).Indians wanted a
Corruption free India and definitely protection from terror and Pakistan. Unfortunately
the opposition parties couldn’t emerge as Credible Option to use the energy of Indians.

Concluding Observations

While it is the independence of watch dog offices that insulates form leaders interference,
their effectiveness depends on orchestration of governmental measures that check their
power, ensure the competence of their personnel and continue to achieve their
reformative goals. An independent judiciary can also be invaluable in checking official
malfeasance. Changes in leadership as a result of election can result in not only changes
to anti corruption measures but their elimination also. Further if official are ineffective, in
spite of their determination to reform, campaign to mobilize mass support provide a
powerful endorsement of their objectives and undermine their opposition.

During the election 2014, vocal press had played an important role in exposing corruption
and mobilizing public opinion while opposition groups and integrity movements provided
avenues to expose wrong doing in the government and ruling party, the media uncovered
patronage and unprofiterring in all sectors of society. Published government budget
accounting and auditing procedures, statues & rules, proceedings of legislative bodies
helped to increase transparency in government operations.

Corruption was a sensitive subject in 2014 election. The guilty rarely admitted wrong
doings and at the same time, flaunted their material gains. However public awareness
helped removing the taboo and veil of secrecy that engulfed corrupt activities. Debates
on malfeasance and its remedies broadcasted via television, conducted in formal
workshops also strengthened political will. But more importantly these campaigns began
to personalize corruption explaining clearly and explicitly how individuals were affected.

This time citizenry was empowered because it had understood its own stake in the abuse
of public funds. People of India also felt they personally had a stake in the elimination or
control, they had the power to do something about it and they could demand action from
the leadership. Thus corruption inherently, a secret activity, received a human face.
Agents of the state expressed public ire.

The private sector can also strengthen political will and combat corruption, when it acts
independently representing its special interests. But is depends on private sector actor’s
commitment to ethics and a corruption free business environment and on the government
willingness to reveal information about its actions. Professional organizations can include
a mandatory anti corruption clause in their membership and ethics code, with expulsion.
Bidder on government projects and procurement contracts can band together to decide
not to pay bribes – commitments backed by sizable bonds subject to forfeiture in the
event of non compliances.
References

• The A to Z of congress scams– AC Adarsh Scam. : - A-(Adarsh Scam), B-Bofors

Scam, C-CWG Scam, D-Devas-Antrix Scam, E-Employee Guarantee Scheme
scam, F-Fodder Scam, Food Security Bill Scam, G-Ghaziabad Provident Fund
Scam, H-Harshad Mehta Stock Market Scam, Hasan Ali Hawala Scam, I-IPL
Scam, J-Junior Basic Trained Teachers’ Recruitment Scam, K-Ketan Parekh Stock
market scam, L-LIC Housing Scam, M-Madhu Koda Scam, N-Non-banking
financial companies scam, O-oriental bank scam, P-Punjab State council of
Education, Research and training scam, Q-Quest for gold scam, R-Ration card
scam, Rafale Jet Fighter procurement scam, S-Satyam Scam, Fire Prone
Submarine Scam, T-Telecom 2 G scam, Temple collection scam, congress
president travel budget scam, U-UTI scam, UBS illegal accounts scam, V-
volkwagen equity scam, vadra DLF scam, W-West Bengal telecom scam,
westland helicopter scam. XYZ- is still cooking at 10, Janpath.
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Commission of India New Delhi.
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2004. Election Commission of India.
• Farell David, M. 1997 – Comparing Electoral System, London : Pretice Hall /
Harvester wheat Sneaf.
 • Eigenpeter, ‘combating corruption around the world’ Journal of Democracy vol 7,
No. 1, 1996 PP 158-168.
• Gillespie, K and Gwenn okruhlik “The political dimensions of corruptions
cleanups: A from work for analysis” corruption politics October 1991, PP-77-95.
• Roy, Meenu, ‘elections 1998. A continuity in Coalition” National publishing
house, Jaipur 1999.
• Roy, Rathen, ‘State failure in India, Political fiscal implications of the black
economy’, IDS bulletin Vol. 27, NO. 2, 1996 PP-22-30.
• Rose Ackerman, Susan ‘The political economy of corruption’ in the world
economy Washington D.C., Institute for international economist 1996.
• Transparency international US corporate anti corruption programs. A survey of
best practices, Washington D.C. June 1996.

B iPranab Mukerjee, The Coalition Years1996-2012,Rupa,new Delhi p.78

ii
Swaminathan Ankeleseraia,Aiyer-History will be to PM,Manmohan Singh,15th May 2014, The times of India

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