Delhi: Modi has always shown visible favour towards business community particularly entrepreneurs and tycoons like Adani and Ambani and this bias is reflected in policies of his government.

Tycoons favoured by BJP paid pivotal role in Indian national elections of 2019 that are widely recognised as most election ever. BJP government reportedly leans heavily towards corporate sector and Modi is widely recognised to be very close to many tycoons.

BJP is considered an expert in garnering support of corporate sector as it pedals most rightist policies that are widely liked by business and trading circles. A section of corporate sector is specially favoured by BJP, particularly by Narendra Modi and his association.

Modi tries to show his unconcern about matter but it has gradually strengthened opposition to his openly biased attitude particularly amongst main opposition Congress party.

In 2019 contest some $ 7 billion made it one of costliest elections globally. It was pointed out that around $ 5 billion was spent during 2014 election that swept Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party to power and was substantially up from $ 2 billion spent in 2009. Modi’s second election was heavily bankrolled by corporate India that rasied fears about country’s democratic process.

Prior to 2019 elections corporates and individuals contributed 12 times more to BJP than to six other national parties including Congress, combined.

BJP received 93 percent of all donations above 20,000 Indian rupees and cumulatively amounting to 4.37 billion Indian rupees ($63.3 million); Congress got just 267 million Indian rupees implying that there is huge funding disparity between parties.

Billionaire industrialist Adani while magnate Ratan Tata praised Modi for carrying out fake “Air strikes” in Pakistan. India’s richest man Ambani whose personal net worth soared from $ 18.6 to more than $ 53 billion after Modi came to power and he has repeatedly praised prime minister in very endearing terms.

Many analysts mention that this trend smacks of plutocracy and express fears that unbridled corporate influence can have serious impact on policies. Dubious nexus between governing BJP and corporate sector has now been seriously questioned in Indian Parliament with opposition lawmakers creating rumpus while demanding an investigation into connection between Adani business Group and Modi. They pointed out government is giving undue favours to Adani Group.

Published in The Daily National Courier, February, 21 2023

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