Electoral Reforms in India Considering

General Elections 2024

Historical Background

With India's General Elections 2024, there was a spotlight on

past electoral reforms, from the founding of the Election
Commission to the introduction of Electronic Voting
Machines and recent changes in the procedure for
appointment of election commissioners. These reforms
reflect the continuous evolution and enhancement of India's
electoral system, capturing the essence of democratic
progress.

Electoral reforms in India refers to the evolution and

modification of the electoral system in India. The Electoral
Reforms seek to promote clean politics, free and fair
elections, and ideal legislators.

Historically, some of the key electoral reforms enacted in

India were:
1) Lowering of Voting Age: The 61st Constitutional
Amendment Act of 1984 reduced the voting age from 21
years to 18 years for the Lok Sabha as well as the
assembly elections. This was done to provide the
unrepresented youth of the country with an opportunity
to express their feelings and help them become a part of
the political process.

Electronic Voting Machines: In 1989, a provision was made

to facilitate the use of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) in
elections. The EVMs were used for the first time in 1998 on
experimental basis in selected constituencies in the
elections to the Assemblies of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh
and Delhi. They are indigenously designed, developed and
manufactured by Bharat Electronic Ltd. and Electronics
Corporation of India Ltd. under technical guidance of the
Election Commission's Technical Expert Committee.
Electoral Reforms:
The need for electoral reforms was increasingly felt towards
the late 1960’s in India. Till then the electoral system had
functioned quite satisfactorily except for a few aberrations
in the form of some malpractices like rigging or violence
which are rather small in number. There was one party rule
at the Centre and in most of the States. But this scenario
began to change after the Fourth General elections held in
1967. Regional parties and rule by coalition of parties
began to emerge in the States. The emergence of
alternative party governments in the State witnessed the
accentuation of some of the negative traits and distortions
in the political system which manifested themselves in a
greater degree in electoral politics.

First-Past-the-Post-System
As far as the issue of electoral reforms in India is
concerned, the overall focus has been the system that
governs representation to the popular chamber in
Parliament as well as to the various State Legislative
Assemblies in the country. The system of representation
here refers to the one commonly known as the “First Past-
the-Post-System‟. Of all the candidates contesting, it is the
one who wins largest number of votes as compared to all
others individually, gets elected

I. Universal Adult Franchise

One of the central features of the Electoral System in India
is that it is based on the Universal Adult Franchise
enunciated in Article 326. While the Constitution under
article 326 makes it one of the cardinal features of the
electoral system, the Representation of People Act, 1950
vide its Section 23 effectuates it. There shall be one
electoral roll for every territorial constituency for election
to either House of Parliament or to the State Legislature
and no person shall be excluded from such roll-on grounds
only of religion, race, caste, or any of them”

II. Multiparty System

Apart from the above, other function which also paved
the way for electoral reforms in India include increase in
the number of regional parties from time to time as a
result of multiparty system that is followed in India in
comparison to biparty system in many countries.
Alongside, there has been a substantial increase in the
number of independent candidates. This has impinged
upon the stability of Government in power. Moreover, this
has also helped the phenomena of political defections,
coalition politics, etc. Apart from these, increasing
electoral expenses over the years has been a cause of
concern. As a result, elections seem to have increasingly
become an affair of the affluent. This has also, in turn,
contributed to the rise of political corruption. In addition
to these, electoral malpractices like booth capturing or
poll rigging, violence and popular apathy towards
participation in the polls are some of the issues which also
need to be addressed and resolved in the interest of free
and fair elections.
Electoral Process:

Among all the countries liberated from the colonial yoke,

India alone has earned the singular distinction of not only
being the world’s longest functioning effective democracy
but also of setting an example by conducting as many as
seventeen free and fair general elections to the National
Legislature, Lok Sabha and more than 350 elections to the
State Legislatures. Successive elections have both
enhanced and deepened the people’s commitment to
democracy. The election to the Lok Sabha being direct, the
territory of India is divided into territorial constituencies
for the election. At present, the allocation of seats in the
Lok Sabha is based on the 1971 Census and will continue
to be so till 2026. The term of the Lok Sabha, unless
dissolved sooner, is five years from the date appointed for
its first meeting. The total number of seats in the Lok
Sabha is 545 at present. The 28 States elect 530 members
of Parliament (LS) while the remaining 13 are added from
the Union territories and two are nominated by the
President as per provisions of Article 331 of the
Constitution from the Anglo-Indian Community which was
abolished in 2019. Provision also exists for reserved seats
for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. Since 1989,
the size of the Lok Sabha increased from 544 to 545. The
extra seat was the result of Goa becoming a State (on May
30, 1987).

Issues in electoral politics in India

The current system of majority rule is the root of many of

our issues. It only decides who wins
the majority of votes among the contestants, regardless of
the percentage of votes they receive, but since this
percentage is sometimes less than 25 percent of the total
votes cast, even though they win the election, this can
lead to a winning person representing a constituency that
has a minority of votes, despite the fact that they are
elected to represent all of the people. Caste and
communal lines become the focal points of contentious
politics in society as a direct result of this system.

Because of the vast amounts of money and muscular force

that are required to win elections, presently the elections
aren’t held under ultimate setting. This is due to the fact
that winning elections requires large amounts of both
money and muscle power. The election system in India is
plagued by a number of severe flaws, including but not
limited to the following: the power of money; the power
of muscle; the criminalization of politics; poll violence;
booth capture; communalism; casteism; non-serious and
independent candidates; and so on.

Money Power
A serious flaw in our democratic process is the role of
money in politics. Elections have become increasingly
expensive in recent years. Political parties and aspirants
can be apprehensive about the frequency with which
elections are held. The buying and selling of votes is akin
to a market for goods. In the past, industrialists and
businessmen supported political parties, but now they
participate directly in elections, run for office themselves,
and sometimes buy seats in state legislatures and the
Rajya Sabha from political parties. As a result of their
nominations, many political figures become involved in
public contracts, government agencies, and businesses, as
well as entrepreneurs and businessmen.

Misuse of Government Machinery

Most people believe that the government in power during
an election uses official apparatus to help its party
candidates win. Government cars are used for
campaigning, advertisements are published at taxpayers'
expense and discretionary funds are disbursed by
ministers. These are all examples of how government
machinery is being abused. Because of the tactics outlined
above, ruling parties have an unfair edge in elections
because of this. Public funds are misused to support
candidates from one political party over another.

Criminalization of Politics
The criminalization of politics is a big problem in our
politics right now. Lawmakers shouldn't have criminal
records, so the law should keep them from running for
office. Reports from 2015 say that 53 of the 543 members
of the Lok Sabha are facing serious criminal charges. If
they are found guilty, they will be kicked out of office.
According to the ADR report, 34% of the new MPs have
been charged with a crime. In 2004 and 2009, the
numbers were 24% and 30%, respectively. “The average
length of criminal cases declared by MPs under Sections
8(1) and 8(3) of the Representation of Peoples' Act,
according to the ADR report, is 10 years”

Booth Capturing
Even in new era and world of developments, voters are
still being captured at the booth, the fear of assault or
violence is still there. In order to create true Free and fair
elections the important steps regarding booth capturing
needs to be taken.

Casteism / Hate Speech

Political parties intentionally support certain caste or
group for gaining their votes, Voters select their
candidates not on the basis of what really matters but for
from which caste he belongs, his skills and merits are
ignored. Caste becomes the ultimate parameter for a
candidate which later on increases the gap between the
people from other castes

The Solution for tackling these issues which are in front of

the Election Commission lies in the attitude of people and
 their effort to fulfill the real purpose of “Elections” in
democracy. Elections are Multidimensional and social ,
political events which are complex in nature, which need
some fundamental reforms regarding its policies , and a
great cooperation from people who are true advocates of
democracy to make the Electoral system more accessible,
accountable , and transparent . Only with the help from
both sides, can the Election Commission bring all these
credible electoral reforms and strengthen the idea of good
governance.

Foundation of Election Commission and First General

Election: The Election Commission of India was founded
on 25th January 1950, under the leadership of Sukumar Sen.
a. The First General Elections were held from October
1951 to February 1952, marking the participation of
17.5 crore voters amidst logistical hurdles.
b. Despite an illiterate electorate and refugee
populations, India embraced universal suffrage for
citizens above 21 years.
Lowering Of Voting Age: The 61st Constitutional
Amendment Act of 1984 reduced the voting age from 21
years to 18 years for the Lok Sabha as well as the
assembly elections.
c. This was done to provide the youth of the country
an opportunity to express their feelings and help
them become a part of this political process.
Deputation to Election Commission: In 1985, a provision
was made that the officers and the staff engaged in the
preparation, revision and correction of electoral rolls for
elections are deemed to be on deputation to the Election
Commission for the period of such employment. (Drishti
IAS).

Electoral Bonds-
 Anonymity and Privacy:
Electoral bonds offer donors the ability to
contribute without disclosing their identity
publicly, thereby protecting them from
potential backlash (Economic Times)
 Reduction in Black Money:
By requiring transactions through banks and
adhering to KYC (Know Your Customer) norms,
our party aims to minimize the role of black
money in political funding (Mint).
 Encouraging Donations:
The straightforward process of purchasing and
donating via electoral bonds can encourage
more people and companies to contribute to
political parties (Times of India).
 Regulated System:
 Electoral bonds are now regulated by the
Reserve Bank of India and the Election
Commission of
India, ensuring oversight and control over
political donations (Reserve Bank).

 Reduction in Cash Donations:

By promoting bank transactions over cash
donations, our party aim to reduce the
influence of unaccounted cash in politics
(Financial Express).
 Legitimacy and Formalization:
Electoral bonds provide a formal mechanism for
political funding, potentially leading to a more
organized and regulated system (The Print).
 Non-Partisan Impact:
Supporters argue that electoral bonds are
designed to be a neutral instrument, available
to all political parties (Hindustan Times)
 Enhanced Accountability:
Political parties must disclose the amounts
received from electoral bonds, which improves
financial transparency. (NDTV)
 Support for Smaller Parties:
 The availability of electoral bonds can help
smaller and emerging political parties raise
funds and compete more effectively (The Wire).
 Incentives for Corporate Donations:
Corporations can benefit from tax advantages
when donating through electoral bonds, which
may increase corporate contributions (Business
Today).

Electoral Bonds Scams: -

 Leader of Opposition party, Rahul Gandhi's

'Chakravyuh' remark, is being formed but against the
"Congress' scams and corruption.

The 'Chakravyuh’ is the opposition party is talking

about; we would like to tell the opposition party that
our government indeed formed 'Chakravyuh' for
Congress' scam and corruption. We have zero
tolerance towards corruption. But we would like to
ask the opposition party one thing, if the opposition
party had run the government for 10 years through a
remote control, why did they not have a Caste
Census? The opposition party is remarking this term
to cover up the corruption and scams during the last
60 years. (Economic Times).
Defective Electoral Rolls: Despite the annual revision
of electoral rolls following an elaborate process, the
electoral rolls are still not error-free. Fake and
duplicate voters on one hand and omission of
genuine voters on the other, has always posed a
challenge.

Domestic Migrants: Only a small percentage of an

estimated 40 crore or more domestic migrants of
which 75% could be safely assumed to be above the
voting age of 18 years, participated in the 2019
elections. A fairly large percentage of domestic
migrants do not participate. The number of domestic
voters has been increased by 75% in the General
Elections 2024.

NRI/Overseas Indian Voters are estimated at 3.10

crores. Out of which only 13,039 were registered and
just 8 voted in 2014 elections. Out of 71,735 voters
registered in 2019, only a very insignificant number
actually voted. Less than 0.2% percent of NRI voters
are registered. The number of overseas voters in the
general elections 2024 was 1.15 Lakh approximately.
Persons with Difficulty [PWD]: this category includes
not just persons who are formally declared and
registered as PWD, it also includes aged and other
who do not venture out to vote. Such votes may
constitute around 7 to 8% of total voters.

SUGGESTIONS: -

 Making voter ID rules stricter ensures that only the

right people vote. This helps prevent fraud and
keeps the elections fair, which can help ruling party
by making sure only valid votes are counted. (The
Hindu).

 Improving the security of Electronic Voting

Machines makes it harder to tamper with them.
This helps everyone trust the election results,
benefiting the ruling party by avoiding disputes
about vote tampering. (Express Times).

 The ruling party (BJP) and The Election Commission

of India have now allowed Aadhaar cards as an
alternative or supplementary ID in certain cases to
facilitate the voting process and ensure broader
inclusion, especially for voters who may have lost
their Voter ID or do not posses it. (ECI)
 Election Integrity and Audits:
 Conduct Post-Election Audits: The Election
Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for
supervising the integrity of elections. Post-election
audits, such as checking the Electronic Voting
 Machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit
Trails (VVPATs), shall be conducted to ensure
accuracy. (The Hindu).
 Investigate Complaints and Irregularities: Any
complaints about election irregularities shall be
reviewed by the ECI (Election Commission of India).
(NDTV).
Transition of Power:
 Facilitate a Smooth Transition: The transition
process in India involves the formation of the new
government and allocation of portfolios. This
process is managed by the ECI and the Prime
Minister’s Office. The smooth transition following
the 2019 elections was covered in detail by The
Times of India (The Times of India, 2019).
 Support for Incoming Officials: The government
provides briefing sessions and updates to incoming
officials to ensure a smooth handover. This was
evident in the 2019 transition, where new ministers
were given briefings by their predecessors
(Hindustan Times, 2019).
 Voter Feedback and Reforms:
 Collect Voter Feedback: The ECI periodically
conducts surveys and gathers feedback from voters
to assess and improve the electoral process. Post-
2019, various feedback mechanisms were reviewed
to address voter concerns (Economic Times, 2019).
 Implement Reforms: Based on feedback and
observed issues, the ECI has been involved in
implementing reforms. For instance, changes in the
EVMs and VVPATs systems were made to address
voter concerns and improve transparency (The
Wire, 2020).
 Legislative and Policy Actions:
 Review and Update Electoral Laws: The Parliament
reviews and amends electoral laws as needed.
Reforms such as the Representation of the People
Act, 1951, are periodically updated to address new
challenges (Ministry of Law and Justice, 2023).
 Promote Legislative Priorities: The new
government sets its legislative agenda and priorities
based on its manifesto and election promises. This
was evident in the legislative focus of the Modi
government post-2019 elections (The Economic
Times, 2020).
Handle Legal Challenges: Legal challenges related
to election results are addressed by the judiciary.
For example, various petitions and legal disputes
related to the 2019 elections were adjudicated by
the Supreme Court and High Courts (The Hindu).
 Mitigate Disinformation: The government and ECI
work to counter misinformation related to
elections. Initiatives to address fake news and
misinformation were highlighted by sources such as
India Today (India Today).
 Public Engagement and Communication:
  Maintain Open Communication: Government and
ECI use various channels to communicate with the
public, including press releases and official
websites. For example, updates and information
related to the 2019 elections were provided
through the ECI’s website and media briefings
(Election Commission of India).
 Enhance Civic Education: The ECI and other
organizations run campaigns to improve voter
education and engagement. Programs like “Voter
Helpline” and educational initiatives aim to increase
civic participation (The Times of India).

 Prepare for Future Elections: The ECI plans and

prepares for future elections by reviewing past
processes and incorporating improvements.
Preparations for the 2024 elections have already
begun, with reviews and updates being discussed
(The Hindu).
 Promote Voter Participation: Efforts to enhance
voter participation include outreach programs and
innovations in voter registration processes. The
ECI's “Voter Registration Drive” aims to improve
registration and turnout (Economic Times).

Involvation of Nitin Gadkari in Electoral Reforms:

Advocacy for Modernization and Inclusivity:

 Nitin Gadkari has consistently advocated for
modernizing India's infrastructure and systems,
including the electoral process. He believes that
○ remote voting can help bring about greater
inclusivity by allowing migrant workers and those
away from their home constituencies to participate
in elections.
○ Gadkari's support for remote voting aligns with his
vision of leveraging technology to solve practical
problems and make systems more accessible and
efficient (Hindustan Times).
Technological Implementation
○ Stance: Gadkari supports the use of advanced
technologies, such as blockchain and biometric
verification, to ensure the security and integrity of
remote voting. He emphasizes the importance of
adopting cutting-edge solutions to address
potential challenges in the electoral process.

○ Initiatives: He has advocated for pilot programs to

test the feasibility of remote voting systems and
ensure they are secure and effective before
implementing them on a larger scale (Economic
Times).

2. Collaboration with the Election Commission

 ○ Role: Gadkari has been involved in discussions with
the Election Commission of India (ECI) to explore
the practical aspects of implementing remote
voting. He believes in a collaborative approach,
involving multiple stakeholders, to ensure the
successful rollout of this reform.
○ Support: His involvement underscores the need for
comprehensive planning and coordination between
the government and the ECI to develop a reliable
remote voting system (PRS Legislative Research).
3. Addressing Security Concerns:
○ Emphasis: Gadkari acknowledges the security
concerns associated with remote voting and
stresses the need for robust measures to prevent
fraud and ensure the integrity of the electoral
process. He supports the use of biometric
verification and other advanced security protocols.
○ Verification: By ensuring secure authentication
methods, Gadkari aims to address fears of
impersonation and electoral fraud, maintaining
public trust in the new system (Economic Times).

4. Legal and Administrative Framework

○ Proposal: Gadkari advocates for a strong legal and
administrative framework to support the
implementation of remote voting. This includes
 necessary amendments to electoral laws and the
establishment of clear guidelines and protocols.
○ Implementation: He suggests a phased
implementation, starting with smaller, controlled
trials to identify and rectify potential issues before
a nationwide rollout (Hindustan Times).

Supporting Quotes and References

● Modernization and Inclusivity: "Remote voting is a step

towards modernizing our electoral system and ensuring
that every citizen, regardless of their location, can
exercise their right to vote." - Hindustan Times
● Technological Implementation: "We must leverage the
latest technologies to ensure that remote voting is
secure and efficient. Pilot programs will help us identify
and address any challenges." - Economic Times
● Collaboration with ECI: "Collaboration between the
government and the Election Commission is crucial for
developing a reliable and secure remote voting system."
(ForumIAS)
● Security Concerns: "Security is paramount in remote
voting. We must implement robust verification methods
to prevent fraud and ensure the integrity of the electoral
process." (PRS Legislative Research)

BJP’s Stance on the Electoral system: -

● Implementation of Proposed Reforms: If the BJP retains
or gains a strong majority, they are expected to advance
reforms they have previously proposed, such as further
integration of technology in elections (e.g., enhanced
use of Electronic Voting Machines and Voter Verifiable
Paper Audit Trails). The BJP has historically supported
these reforms to improve electoral integrity (Business
Standard).
● Addressing Opposition Concerns: The BJP may need to
address criticisms and concerns from opposition parties
and civil society regarding electoral reforms. This could
involve negotiations and adjustments to proposed
changes to build broader consensus, as seen in previous
reform discussions (The Hindu).

● Strengthening Electoral Institutions: There may be

efforts to bolster institutions like the Election
Commission of India to ensure they are more effective
and transparent. The BJP has supported reforms aimed
at enhancing the credibility and functioning of these
bodies (Times of India).
● Potential Challenges and Criticisms: The BJP might face
challenges and criticisms from various quarters, which
could affect the pace and direction of implementing
reforms. Public opinion and opposition responses will
play a role in shaping the final approach to electoral
reforms (Mint).
Conclusion: -
I, Nitin Gadkari will involve in the remote voting initiative
and modernize the electoral process and make it more
inclusive. I will use advanced technology and ensure
robust security measures. I will focus on the practical
and reliable solutions for the smooth running of
Elections. I will work with the Election Commission of
India and support well planned implements. I will also
aim to make remote voting a viable option for the
upcoming elections.
Scams of INC (Indian National Congress):

The 2G Spectrum Scam (License Raja Scam):

The 2G Spectrum Scam, which surfaced in 2008-2009

during the tenure of the Indian National Congress (INC)-
led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, is
one of the largest corruption scandals in India's history.
Here are the key details:

Overview
The scam involved the allocation of 2G spectrum
licenses to telecom companies at prices significantly
lower than the market value. This allocation process
bypassed a transparent auction system, resulting in
massive financial losses for the government.

Key Figures
A. Raja: Then Union Minister for Communications and
Information Technology, A. Raja, was the primary figure
accused of masterminding the scam. He allegedly
manipulated the process to Favor certain companies,
granting them spectrum licenses at 2001 prices in 2008,
causing a loss of approximately ₹1.76 lakh crore ($28
billion) to the exchequer as estimated by the
Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG).
Kanimozhi: A Rajya Sabha MP and daughter of DMK
leader M. Karunanidhi, Kanimozhi was also implicated
for her alleged involvement in facilitating the
transactions.

Modus Operandi
First-Come, First-Served Basis: Instead of conducting a
transparent auction, the licenses were distributed on a
first-come, first-served basis. This method was allegedly
manipulated to benefit specific companies.
Arbitrary Cut-off Date: The cut-off date for applications
was advanced arbitrarily, and companies were given only
a few hours to comply with new regulations, ensuring
that only certain pre-selected companies could meet the
criteria.
Under-pricing: The licenses were sold at 2001 prices,
ignoring the substantial growth in the telecom sector
and the increased demand for spectrum.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): The CBI
investigated the case and filed chargesheets against
several individuals, including A. Raja and Kanimozhi.
Supreme Court of India: In 2012, the Supreme Court
cancelled 122 2G licenses issued in 2008, declaring
them "illegal and arbitrary," and ordered fresh
auctions.
Trial and Verdict: In December 2017, a special CBI court
acquitted all the accused, including A. Raja and
Kanimozhi, citing lack of evidence. The verdict was
controversial and led to widespread debate on the
judicial handling of corruption cases.

Political and Economic Impact

Political Fallout: The scandal severely damaged the INC's
reputation, contributing to its defeat in the 2014 general
elections.
Economic Repercussions: The scandal highlighted the
need for transparency and reform in the allocation of
national resources, prompting changes in the auctioning
process for spectrum and other assets.

Sources:
The Hindu
The Express Times
NDTV

The Adarsh Housing Society Scam (2010):

The Adarsh Housing Society Scam is a significant

corruption scandal that emerged in 2010 involving
the construction and allocation of a high-rise
residential building in the upscale Colaba area of
Mumbai. Here are the key details:

Overview
The Adarsh Housing Society was originally intended
to provide affordable housing for war widows and
veterans of the Kargil War. However, it was
discovered that flats were allotted to politicians,
bureaucrats, and military officials who were not
eligible for the housing.

Key Figures:
Ashok Chavan: Then Chief Minister of Maharashtra
and a senior Indian National Congress (INC) leader,
Ashok Chavan, was implicated in the scandal. His
relatives were among the beneficiaries of the flats.
Other Bureaucrats and Politicians: Several high-
ranking officials and politicians, including retired
army officers and members of the legislative
assembly, were also implicated.

Modus Operandi:
1. Violations of Rules and Regulations: The society
violated multiple regulations, including land use,
height restrictions, and environmental clearances.
Originally intended to be a six-story structure, the
building was expanded to 31 stories.
2. Benami Transactions: Many flats were allegedly
acquired through benami transactions (held in the
name of others) to conceal the true beneficiaries,
who were powerful politicians and bureaucrats.
3. Manipulation of Eligibility Criteria: Criteria were
manipulated to include influential individuals who
were not war widows or defence personnel.

Investigation and Legal Proceedings:

Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): The CBI took
over the investigation and filed chargesheets
against multiple individuals, including Ashok
Chavan, for conspiracy and cheating.
Bombay High Court: In 2016, the Bombay High
Court ordered the demolition of the building,
stating that it was constructed illegally and in
violation of environmental norms. However, the
Supreme Court later stayed this order.
Resignation and Political Fallout: Ashok Chavan
resigned as Chief Minister in 2010 following the
surfacing of the scam. The scandal also led to
widespread public and media outcry, damaging the
reputation of the involved politicians and officials.

Impact:
Political Repercussions: The scandal exposed deep-
rooted corruption within the political and
bureaucratic systems, leading to calls for greater
transparency and accountability in the allocation of
public resources.
Legal Reforms: It highlighted the need for stricter
enforcement of building regulations and
environmental laws.

Agusta Wasteland VVIP Chopper

Scandal (2013):

The AgustaWestland VVIP Chopper Scam, also

known as the AgustaWestland helicopter scandal,
 is a significant corruption case involving the Indian
government and the Italian defence company
AgustaWestland. Here are the key details:
1. Background: The scandal revolves around the Indian
government's purchase of 12 AgustaWestland AW101
helicopters, intended for use by high-ranking officials
and VVIPs, including the President and Prime Minister of
India.
2. Contract: The deal, worth approximately €560 million
(about ₹3,600 crore), was signed in 2010. The
helicopters were to be used for transporting VVIPs in
India.
3. Allegations: It was alleged that bribes were paid to
Indian officials to secure the contract. The allegations
included kickbacks and illicit payments made by
AgustaWestland to various intermediaries and officials
to influence the deal.
4. Investigations:
o Indian Investigation: In 2013, the Indian
government began an investigation into the scam,
leading to the suspension of the contract and
cancellation of the deal. The Central Bureau of
Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate
(ED) were involved in the probe.
o Italian Investigation: In parallel, Italian authorities

conducted their own investigation, which revealed

that AgustaWestland had made illicit payments to
secure the deal. This led to convictions of several
 individuals, including senior executives of
AgustaWestland.
5. Political Impact: The scandal had significant political
repercussions in India. Several prominent politicians and
officials were implicated or questioned, and it became a
major issue in Indian politics, affecting the image of the
then-ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA)
government.
6. Legal Proceedings: The legal proceedings have been
lengthy, with multiple charges and ongoing
investigations. Key figures involved in the scam faced
legal challenges both in India and Italy.
The AgustaWestland scam remains a notable
example of high-profile corruption in defence
procurement and has had a lasting impact on
Indian politics and defence procurement practices.

Sources:
The Times of India
NDTV
The Hindu
CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation)
BBC News

National Herald Case (2012):

Background:
 National Herald Newspaper: Founded in 1938 by
Jawaharlal Nehru and closely associated with the Indian
National Congress (INC), it was published by the
Associated Journals Limited (AJL).
 Associated Journals Limited (AJL): AJL was the company
that published National Herald. It faced financial
difficulties and ceased publication in the 2000s.

Key Allegations:
1. Acquisition of AJL Assets: The controversy centres
around the Congress party's acquisition of AJL's assets.
The Congress party, through a company named Young
India Ltd. (YIL), acquired AJL’s assets and properties.

2. Financial Irregularities: The allegations include claims

that the Congress party acquired AJL's assets at below-
market rates and that the transactions involved
financial mismanagement and misuse of funds.
Legal and Political Proceedings:
1. Complaint and Charges:
o Filed By: The case was filed by Subramanian

Swamy, a prominent BJP leader and politician.

o Charges: The charges include criminal breach of

trust, misappropriation of funds, and cheating. The

allegations suggest that the Congress leadership,
including Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi, were
involved in financial irregularities related to the
acquisition of AJL's assets.
2. Investigations:
 o Enforcement Directorate (ED): Investigated the
financial aspects of the case and conducted
searches.
o Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI): Also involved

in the investigation, focusing on financial

transactions and alleged misconduct.
3. Legal Proceedings:
o The Delhi High Court and other judicial bodies have

been involved in adjudicating the case. There have

been various hearings, orders, and legal
manoeuvres throughout the process.
o Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi have been
questioned and faced legal challenges as part of the
proceedings.

Political Impact:
 Congress Party: The case has been a significant political
issue for the Congress party, impacting its image and
leading to public and political scrutiny.
 Political Strategy: The case has been used by political
opponents of the Congress party to challenge its
leadership and governance.

Current Status:
As of the last updates, the case is ongoing with
various legal proceedings and appeals. The
outcomes have included court orders, legal battles,
and political debate.
Sources:-
 The Hindu
 The Times of India
 NDTV
 The Indian Express
 The Hindustan Times
 Enforcement Directorate (ED) Reports
 Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Reports