The Political-Business Nexus: A Threat to Accountability?
The proximity of politicians and businessmen in Maharashtra has raised questions about accountability and governance. Recent incidents in Pune and Thane have highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in the real estate sector.
Real EstatePolitical Business NexusAccountabilityGovernanceMaharashtraReal Estate PuneMay 29, 2024
Just over three decades after India embarked on the path of free economy and globalisation, India still remains a 'politically controlled economy'. Despite claims of ease of business and the removal of licenses and permits, entrepreneurs still need bureaucratic and political patronage to set up shop.
Politicians are quick to take advantage of the situation, and it has become rare for state assembly MLAs not to be in some kind of partnership with businessmen, often related to real estate development. Cities in Maharashtra like Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nagpur have seen a tremendous real estate boom in the past three decades, and the nexus between politicians and builders has caused immense damage to the environment and resulted in unauthorized constructions, encroachments, and even calamities.
The question now is whether public anger over attempts to tamper with evidence and protect the accused will hit politicians in some way. The Congress party leadership has alleged involvement of two senior leaders of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) in evidence tampering and bringing pressure to let off the accused. Similar allegations were made about the Dombivli incident where a huge industrial accident took place.
The proximity of politicians and businessmen is well known, and it is threatening ordinary citizens like never before. Citizens must keep the pressure on and ensure that politicians, bureaucrats, and others feel accountable.
Maharashtra has seen a tremendous real estate boom in the past three decades, with cities like Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nagpur experiencing rapid growth. However, this growth has been marked by unauthorized constructions, encroachments, and environmental damage.
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) is a political party in India founded in 1999 by Sharad Pawar. The party is known for its strong presence in Maharashtra and has been a key player in the state's politics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the political-business nexus?
The political-business nexus refers to the close relationship between politicians and businessmen often marked by mutual benefit and influence
How has the real estate sector been affected by the nexus?
The real estate sector has been marked by unauthorized constructions encroachments and environmental damage due to the nexus between politicians and builders
What is the impact of the nexus on ordinary citizens?
The nexus threatens ordinary citizens by perpetuating a culture of impunity and lack of accountability among politicians and businessmen
How can citizens ensure accountability?
Citizens can ensure accountability by keeping the pressure on politicians bureaucrats and others to act transparently and in the public interest
What is the role of the media in exposing the nexus?
The media plays a crucial role in exposing the nexus and holding politicians and businessmen accountable for their actions
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