Politics and the need for a clean political structure in India: Rajni Sethi

JAMMU: BJP J&K spokesperson Rajni Sethi  on Saturday welcomed the government’s decision to table the bill aimed at cleansing politics, ensuring transparency, accountability, and strengthening democratic values effectively.

Politics plays a vital role in the formation and development of any society. In India, which is the largest democracy in the world, politics holds even greater significance because every decision of the government directly affects the lives of millions of citizens. Over the years, India has witnessed the rise and fall of different political parties, each promising to work for the welfare of the people. For a long period after independence, Congress was the main political party that remained in power and made decisions—some beneficial and some detrimental—for the country. While democratic processes strengthened with time, the entry of corruption, criminality, and unethical practices into politics weakened the very foundation of democratic governance.

The Indian Constitution has provided us with numerous laws and safeguards to ensure justice, equality, and good governance. However, loopholes in the system have often been exploited by politicians for personal gains. As a result, many politicians facing criminal charges, corruption cases, or serious allegations continue to hold office, enjoy privileges, and even influence governance. This situation has raised serious questions about political accountability and transparency.

In the recent monsoon session of Parliament, the NDA Government tabled a significant bill aimed at ensuring the cleanliness of India’s political structure. The bill was sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further examination and deliberation. The intention behind this bill is highly commendable because it attempts to address one of the most pressing challenges in Indian politics—the presence of corrupt, criminal, and anti-national elements in positions of power.

We all know that the political setup in India consists of leaders at different levels. While many of them are dedicated to public service, there is also a large section of individuals who are either corrupt, criminal-minded, or involved in activities against the interests of the nation. Unfortunately, even if such leaders are caught indulging in corruption, rape, terrorism, or other heinous crimes, there is no strict provision for their immediate removal from office. They continue to enjoy facilities, official protocols, and political influence, even from behind bars. This not only mocks the idea of justice but also creates distrust among citizens regarding the political system.

The proposed bill is a welcome move because it seeks to ensure that politicians accused of serious crimes face accountability. According to the provisions, if a politician is detained for 30 days and faces punishment of five years or more, he or she will be removed from office until acquitted or proven innocent by the court. This clause ensures that individuals with serious charges do not misuse their political power during trials and investigations. It also sends a strong message that politics is a service, not a shield for corruption or criminality.

The step is also essential for strengthening democracy. In a democracy, leaders are supposed to represent the voice of the people and work for the nation’s progress. However, when criminals enter politics, the true spirit of democracy gets diluted. Clean politics will not only enhance public trust but also encourage more honest and dedicated citizens to come forward and serve society.

Moreover, this bill could act as a deterrent for those who enter politics only to exploit power and resources. If implemented effectively, it will set a benchmark for political accountability, reduce the misuse of public funds, and restore faith in democratic institutions.

At the same time, while strict action against guilty leaders is necessary, it is equally important to ensure that innocent politicians are not falsely targeted for political vendetta. The provision of removal until proven innocent must be applied fairly and transparently.

In conclusion, the introduction of this bill in Parliament is a bold and appreciable step toward cleaning the political structure of India. By removing corrupt and criminal elements from politics, regardless of their party affiliations, the bill aims to ensure that only genuine leaders remain in positions of power. This will not only safeguard democracy but also pave the way for a more transparent, accountable, and progressive society. The need of the hour is for all political parties to rise above their differences and support this reform for the larger interest of the nation. Clean politics is the foundation of a strong nation, and this bill could be a milestone in achieving that vision.