09 May,2026 01:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
The Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that corrupt leaders continue to receive political protection despite repeated public claims about fighting corruption, reported IANS.
In an editorial published in the party mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led faction said India cannot become a "Vishwaguru" or a developed nation unless it dismantles what it termed a political "washing machine" that allegedly shields tainted politicians after they switch parties, reported IANS.
The editorial argued that corruption remains one of the country's biggest challenges and claimed that political leaders who depend on individuals facing corruption allegations have no moral authority to lecture citizens about nationalism or patriotism, reported IANS.
It further alleged that public attention is often diverted towards sensitive communal or divisive issues whenever major corruption-related controversies emerge.
The editorial referred to recent developments in China to draw comparisons with India's handling of corruption cases involving influential political figures, reported IANS.
According to the article, former Chinese Defence Ministers Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu were sentenced to death by a military court on bribery charges despite their senior positions and proximity to Chinese President Xi Jinping, reported IANS.
The editorial claimed that the action reflected a stricter anti-corruption approach compared to India, where, according to the party, influential individuals accused of financial wrongdoing often continue to receive political backing or public recognition.
It also referred to countries such as South Korea and Japan, where former prime ministers and senior leaders have faced imprisonment in corruption-related cases.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) editorial directly targeted the BJP over its induction of opposition leaders who had earlier faced allegations of corruption, reported IANS.
Referring to West Bengal politics, the article mentioned Suvendu Adhikari, claiming that leaders once criticised by the BJP were later inducted into the party and elevated to senior positions.
The editorial also alleged that central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate were used to pressure leaders from opposition parties, including factions of the Shiv Sena and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), to join the BJP.
Additionally, it referred to Aam Aadmi Party MP Ashok Mittal, alleging that he joined the BJP shortly after investigative action was initiated against institutions linked to him.
The editorial questioned how corruption could be tackled effectively if, according to the party, politicians accused of wrongdoing continue to receive political shelter.
The article also raised questions regarding the PM CARES Fund, alleging a lack of transparency because the fund is reportedly exempt from the Right to Information (RTI) framework.
According to the editorial, reports suggesting that companies under investigation by enforcement agencies also contributed to political funding have intensified concerns about transparency and accountability in governance, reported IANS.
The party claimed that such developments indicate deeper systemic issues related to political funding and corruption.
Concluding the editorial, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party argued that India's political system must end the alleged practice of "cleansing" politicians facing corruption allegations simply because they switch political affiliations, reported IANS.
The editorial stated that if India genuinely aims to progress as a developed nation, stronger institutional accountability and impartial anti-corruption mechanisms are necessary.
The remarks are part of the continuing political confrontation between the BJP and opposition parties ahead of upcoming political and electoral developments across several states.
(With inputs from IANS)
