India Joins Leadership of Global Anti-Corruption Alliance

India has been elected to the 15-member GlobE Steering Committee, which focuses on combating corruption and asset recovery. This decision was made during a plenary session in Beijing on September 26, 2024, following a multistage voting process. As a member of the Steering Committee, India is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the global anti-corruption agenda, leveraging its experience and expertise in the field.

Background of the GloBE Network

The GlobE Network originated as an initiative from the G-20, supported by India in 2020. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has highlighted that India’s participation will be instrumental in tackling corruption globally.

Political Dynamics in India

In a contrasting political landscape, since 2014, several politicians facing corruption charges have switched to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). An investigation revealed that out of 25 prominent politicians who made this switch, 23 cases led to a halt in investigations, showcasing a significant disparity in how political affiliations impact legal proceedings. Notably, six politicians moved to the BJP just weeks before the general elections, indicating a strategic shift.

Investigative Findings

The findings illustrate a pattern where Central agencies focus primarily on the Opposition, with 95% of actions taken against political figures being from opposition parties since the NDA came to power in 2014. This trend has led critics to label the BJP’s political maneuvers as a “washing machine,” allowing accused politicians to evade accountability by changing parties.

Recent Developments in Elections

In recent elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been re-elected as the leader of the NDA alliance despite the BJP not securing a majority. With 240 seats in the Lok Sabha, Modi’s party faces the challenge of forming a government with the support of allies, as the NDA collectively holds 283 seats, surpassing the required 272.

Global Reactions

World leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, have congratulated Modi on his election victory, emphasizing the strong bilateral relations between India and their respective nations.

Opposition Response

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, representing the opposition INDIA alliance, asserted that the election mandate reflects a decisive rejection of Modi’s governance, vowing to continue the fight against what he termed the BJP’s “fascist rule.”