Why is Corruption in West Bengal Uncontrollable?

West Bengal, a state in eastern India, has long been plagued by corruption, a problem that shows no signs of abating. The recent statements and actions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have added fuel to the fire, with some going as far as calling it 'Waste Bengal.'

Head of the Fish Sinks First

There's an old proverb, 'the fish starts to rot from its head.' Quora readers can easily grasp this analogy, understanding that the root of corruption in West Bengal lies at the top. There is an inherent connection between corruption and the Bengali and Bihar cultures, stemming from historical and systemic reasons.

Political Corruption: A Lingering Scandal

Modi's connection to corruption in West Bengal is undeniably deep. The CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) report sheds light on the extent of the problem, suggesting that the solution lies in removing the corrupt government at the center and putting them in jail. The reputation of India has suffered greatly due to the dismal performance of the central government in West Bengal. In fact, Modi is listed as the 4th most corrupt Prime Minister in the world, raising questions that may need to be probed by the International Criminal Court (ICJ).

Bengali Culture and Corruption

Residing as a Bengali myself, I have experienced first-hand the pervasive nature of corruption in West Bengal. Corruption is deeply ingrained in the fabric of Bengali society. It seeps into all aspects of life, from political to social, and is particularly evident in labor unions and industries within the state. While corrupt practices are present in other regions too, there is a unique persistence and intensity in West Bengal. This tradition of corruption involving extortion and bribery is a heritage of the entire territory of India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

The Historical Context of Corruption

The history of West Bengal is rife with instances of corruption. Over 2000 years, the region has seen various governments exploiting the people, leading to a cycle of extortion and bribery. Historically, when different rulers would occupy the region, they would appoint Bengalis to collect taxes, often allowing them to keep the excess. This led to the widespread practice of corruption. Today, this tradition persists, with the deep-seated culture of paying and receiving extortion and bribe money.

Conclusion

The persistence of corruption in West Bengal highlights the complex interplay between historical, cultural, and political factors. While the emergence of an independent Bangladesh may help to curb some of these practices in the long term, the deeply rooted habits of corruption are a challenge that requires sustained and dedicated efforts to overcome.

Keywords:
corruption in West Bengal, Bengali culture, political corruption in India