The Association for Democratic Reforms found that in 2014, 186 MPs (35%) had declared criminal cases registered against them, with 112 of them facing serious cases like murder, rape and kidnapping. The BJP contributed the most, with 98 MPs having a criminal background.
In 2019, the number of MPs facing criminal cases increased to 233. In 2024, 251 (46%) MPs faced criminal cases, exposing the hollowness of Modi’s promise to cleanse parliament of tainted elements.
Opposition leaders, branded corrupt by Modi, are acquitted and given plum posts when they join the BJP. Questions have been raised about appointments to key posts. The Right to Information Act is diluted. The Lokpal is still waiting to be equipped fully. But the anti-corruption narrative is resurrected every now and then to fool the people.
India sadly hasn’t yet addressed her basic concerns. The launchpad for becoming Vishwaguru has not been prepared. While social and political disharmony continues to cripple the national imagination, there are grim indicators from different sectors, depressing enough to set off alarms.
The Modi government disclosed in a reply to a question in parliament this month that 39,446 MSMEs had shut down in 2024-25 alone. Can you imagine the job losses and the extent of damage to the economy?
Even for simple items, we depend on Chinese imports while our own industries are collapsing. We look to China even for fertilisers and plastics!
by Sanjay K. Jha
25/08/2025