Several Chief Ministers have been embroiled in financial scandals throughout India’s political history. These scandals vary in nature and scale but typically involve allegations of corrupt practices, such as bribery, embezzlement, or money laundering. Past scandals have damaged public trust in the political system and raised questions about accountability mechanisms.

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) plays a crucial role in financial crime investigations in India. Tasked with enforcing the Prevention of Laundering Act and the Foreign Exchange Management Act, the ED often investigates high-profile cases, including those involving Chief Ministers. Some time back, opposition leaders, including chief ministers of some states, approached the Supreme Court for relief from arrest, but their plea was rejected.

Chief Minister against whom cases are registered (Different stages of Investigation)

Note: The above list represents a small number, as many other names exist.

Global Corruption Index

The CPI is (CORRUPTION PERCEPTIONS INDEX) a handy global indicator, but it is limited to experts’ and business people’s perceptions of corruption in the public sector. Earlier the countries were 175, and now the total countries is 180

https://www.transparency.org/en/cpi/2021

Studies published in 2007 and 2008 in The European Physical Journal found that countries and territories with higher CPI rankings were more likely to experience more long-term economic growth and experienced  GDP increases of 1.7% for every point added to their CPI score. India’s CPI index is increasing, which is suggestive of positive change under the regime of the current central government. 

Corruption continues to be a big hurdle to political, economic, and social development. The Impact is more significant when chief ministerial candidates are involved. Corruption involving Chief Ministers shows vulnerability and loopholes in India’s political and financial systems. They highlight the need for further reforms in anti-corruption legislation, the role of investigatory agencies, and political accountability. The honourable Prime Minister, in his speech, urged the nation to fight against corruption, nepotism, and appeasement. International Anti-Corruption Day is celebrated annually on December 9th. The day is observed to raise awareness about corruption and the role of the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in preventing it. Various state and central government machinery are working to their best, but more is needed to curb corruption; the citizens of India need to be vigilant and stay abreast of scams and corruption in their respective states. Citizens need to adopt the path of neutrality; once they stop casting votes to any corrupt ministers, they won’t get a chance to represent us and get involved in scams in future. Thus, it’s time to unite towards a “corruption-free India.”