The Hindu : Front Page : ‘Frame fresh norms to check nexus of politics-business’

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Tuesday, Nov 17, 2009
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‘Frame fresh norms to check nexus of politics-business’

K.V. Prasad

Prakash Karat

NEW DELHI: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Monday suggested the framing of fresh norms and rules to check the recent trend of a nexus between politics and big businesses that came to the fore during the recent crisis in the BJP government in Karnataka.

Referring to the focus on the continuation of Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa, CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat said the events in Karnataka showed the nexus between politics and big business that the BJP had forged in the State.

“This was taken to a new dimension with the BJP incorporating the Bellary mining syndicate run by the Reddy brothers into the government. After riding on the shoulders of this most rapacious business combine and making them part of the government, the BJP is now faced with this lobby’s ambitions extended to dictating policies in the government and blackmailing the party,” Mr. Karat said in the latest edition of party organ People’s Democracy.

Describing the rise of the Reddy brothers as a “saga of crony capitalism and the close nexus established with politicians and pliant bureaucrats,” he said that at a time when the price of international iron ore rose from Rs. 200 to Rs. 2000 per tonne, the syndicate became major beneficiaries by bending laws, getting new regulations and enactments to favour them, and by blatant violation of forest and environmental laws.

The BJP’s mix of business and politics is part of the overall disease now spreading in the political system. Illegal money is accumulated by ruling class politicians through crony capitalism and public policy is hijacked for private interests, Mr. Karat said.

“The symbiosis of capitalists and politicians has reached a new level under neo-liberalism, and the direct impact of the politician-business nexus is now affecting the political system as never before,” he added.

“The invasion of business into politics has resulted in an unprecedented use of money in elections, and the symptom of rot is manifested in all sectors of life. Increasingly in legislatures and parliament, representatives are being elected from big businesses, liaison men and contractors. Business tycoons sit in parliamentary committees that decide on policies. There are Ministers in the Union Cabinet and State Cabinet who are actual businessmen by profession,” Mr. Karat alleged.

“Politics as business and business through politics is becoming the norm. This assault on democracy needs to be checked. Money power cannot be allowed to subvert the democratic system. If this merger of private interests and public policy making continues, it will spell the perversion of politics and democracy. All democratic forces and concerned citizens should act to halt this process. There have to be fresh norms and rules to be enforced,” he said.

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