BY MOHAMMAD TARIQUE SALEEM
Since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) came to power in 2014, critics have frequently accused the government of adopting a biased approach toward non-BJP states, often highlighting the alleged use of federal agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against opposition leaders. The perception that these agencies are disproportionately targeting non-BJP leaders when corruption charges emerge has become a contentious issue in Indian politics.
A range of opposition leaders, including Congress’ Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) chief Lalu Prasad Yadav, and former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, have faced investigations or legal action by central agencies under the current administration. Many of these cases have either led to arrests, interrogations, or prolonged court battles, fueling accusations that the BJP is leveraging these institutions to silence its political rivals.
One of the most common claims is that political leaders facing allegations of corruption are given a choice: align with the BJP or face potential legal consequences. There have been instances where leaders formerly associated with opposition parties, who later switched allegiance to the BJP, were not only exonerated from these charges but also rewarded with key political positions. This phenomenon has prompted accusations that the BJP is using federal agencies to coerce political alignments rather than ensuring accountability through an impartial justice system.
At the same time, critics argue that the BJP’s approach has cost it politically in some cases. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP’s efforts to target high-profile opposition leaders, such as former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, have not always yielded success due to their honesty. Despite attempts to implicate these leaders, both have continued to retain significant political influence and have even managed to strengthen their positions in state-level politics.
Akhilesh Yadav, who has been lauded for introducing several development projects during his tenure as Uttar Pradesh’s Chief Minister, remains a key figure in Indian politics. His governance is often praised for its focus on infrastructure development, particularly in sectors such as education, public transport, and urban planning. Under Yadav’s leadership, the state witnessed notable projects, such as the Agra-Lucknow Expressway and the Gomti Riverfront Development, both of which have been presented as examples of progressive governance.
Similarly, Mamata Banerjee, despite being under constant scrutiny from the central agencies, has successfully retained her political stronghold in West Bengal, even defeating the BJP in the 2021 state elections. Her defiance against the BJP’s central leadership has earned her significant support in her state and among other opposition parties, further consolidating her as a crucial figure in the national political landscape.
As political alliances shift and the opposition strengthens its collaboration under the umbrella of the INDIA alliance (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), it is anticipated that figures like Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi will play a key role in the upcoming political battles. The BJP’s perceived overreach in using central agencies to target opposition figures could backfire, as the opposition rallies around these leaders, capitalizing on the narrative of victimhood and resistance.
While Prime Minister Modi remains a powerful and influential figure, the recent electoral losses in the Lok Sabha elections highlight the challenges the BJP faces. As opposition parties consolidate and coordinate efforts, the political landscape in India remains dynamic, with the possibility of significant shifts in power in the coming years. Whether the INDIA alliance can indeed emerge victorious and challenge the BJP’s dominance in future elections remains to be seen. However, the increasing scrutiny of the BJP’s tactics and its use of central agencies suggests that the political terrain is evolving rapidly.