Elections and competing narratives of corruption

The electoral discourse building up around corruption can be entirely side-lined if tensions between India and Pakistan escalate

In the impending general election campaign two competing narratives of corruption are likely to play out. The government’s investigating agencies have suddenly become proactive in pursing corruption charges against Opposition bigwigs. On the other hand Congress president Rahul Gandhi’s direct accusation against the prime minister, “Chowkidar chor hai (The watchman is a thief)” may well become the plank for his party’s come-back.

In the next fortnight or so, before the electoral schedule is announced and the model code of conduct comes into force, the Modi government is likely to take dramatic action against certain Opposition leaders. The Enforcement Directorate has