In recent years, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has been at the forefront of cracking down on corruption and taking strong actions against corrupt leaders. However, these actions have not been without controversy, as the opposition often questions the legality and motives behind the arrests and investigations. In this blog post, we will delve into the actions taken by the ED during both the NDA and UPA governments, highlighting the increase in arrests and raids under the current Modi government. We will also discuss some notable cases and the opposition’s criticism of the ED’s actions.
ED Actions during the NDA and UPA Governments:
The ED’s actions against corruption have seen a significant increase during the NDA government compared to the UPA government.
From 2005 to 2014, the ED registered 1,797 cases and arrested 29 individuals. During this period, the agency conducted 84 raids and seized assets worth approximately Rs 5,100 crore. However, no accused individuals were found guilty in any of these cases.
In contrast, from 2014 to 2024, the ED registered 5,155 cases, three times more than the previous period. The agency conducted 7,200 raids and seized assets worth Rs 12,618 crore. Notably, a significant amount of seized assets, Rs 10,000 crore, came from Bengal alone. During this period, the ED arrested 755 individuals, including two Chief Ministers and several other high-ranking politicians. The Modi government claims that 63 people were convicted in the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) cases, resulting in a conviction rate of over 96%.
Opposition Allegations and ED’s Response:
The opposition has consistently criticized the ED’s actions, alleging that the agency targets politicians at the behest of the government and misuses its power. They claim that the conviction rate after ED investigations is low. However, the ED argues that convictions can only occur after the completion of trials. Out of the 25 cases where trials were completed, 24 resulted in convictions, leading to a conviction rate of 94%.
Notable Cases and Leaders Under Investigation:
Several prominent leaders from different states have come under the scanner of the ED. In Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti are being investigated for alleged irregularities in funds received by the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association. Akhilesh Yadav is accused in the Gomti River Front scam in Uttar Pradesh, while Lalu Yadav, Rabri Yadav, and Tejashwi Yadav are being investigated by both the CBI and ED in the Land for Job case in Bihar.
In the National Herald case, Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress President Malikarjun Kharge have been interrogated by the ED. The ED has also attached properties belonging to Rahul and Sonia Gandhi’s company, Young India, due to allegations of money laundering. Sharad Pawar is under investigation for irregularities related to the Maharashtra Cooperative Bank, and Uddhav Thackeray is being scrutinized for alleged disproportionate assets.
The actions taken by the ED against corruption have seen a significant increase under the Modi government. The rise in arrests, raids, and convictions demonstrates the government’s commitment to eradicating corruption. While the opposition has criticized the ED’s actions, the agency maintains a high conviction rate and argues that convictions can only occur after trials. The ongoing investigations and actions against prominent leaders across various states indicate that no one is immune to the ED’s scrutiny.