Not just words, act against corruption

Cornered in the last few months by a series of scams, one bigger and murkier than the other, Congress party president Sonia Gandhi took an unexceptionable stand against corruption in her presidential speech at the annual Congress plenary session at Burari on Sunday.

She made it clear that the Congress-led UPA government and the party should confront this menace and deal with it mercilessly.

Those are indeed brave words at a time when the party’s fortunes are sinking under the increasing burden of corruption charges. It is an attempt to redeem the party’s image, which is the most crucial stake in the political game.

She has also managed to place her finger on the problem when she pointed out that it is the discretionary powers, especially with regard to allotment of land, which is the root of corruption. And she suggested, again a bold gesture, that these discretionary powers should be taken away.

Of course, this suggestion would be laudable only if it can be implemented.

Discretionary power is indeed a feudal hangover, which gives the politician in office the power to dole out largesse and favours.

What should be in place is a transparent system that makes access to resources — natural and otherwise — a fair one for all citizens. Of course, criteria have to laid down clearly, whether it be mines, land or housing. Rules are all that should matter.

This is no easy task. Politicians will be loath to give up what they consider to be the highest perquisite of their job — doing favours and gaining followers — and all in the name of public interest and for the benefit of people.

This is nothing less than an anachronism, and an ugly one at that, in our democratic system.

Of course, Congress and its president will not be able to use the tirade against corruption for mere moral one-upmanship. The people have become alert, if not cynical. They will not believe her words until there is a hint of action on the promise.

To make it practicable, the Congress will have to evolve a consensus among all political parties. It will be a tough task but worth the effort.

It is in this context, Gandhi’s reference to state funding of elections makes sense. Again, here is an issue that no one party can decide upon.

Waxing eloquent on corruption has lost some of the charm it once had. Politicians cannot hope to wear the mantle of moral crusaders by merely speaking against corruption. What is needed is a mature approach to a complex malady.