When Will Narendra Modi and BJP Take Action to Bring Back Black Money from the Swiss Banks?
The ongoing debate surrounding the recovery of black money from the Swiss banks has been a topic of widespread discussion, particularly in light of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. While the government has expressed intentions and made public commitments, the actual actions taken have left many questioning the sincerity of these promises.
According to the latest information, the first tranche of information related to the black money case was received in November 2019. Despite this, there have been no significant announcements or actions taken towards the recovery of the estimated 300 crores (approximately $400 million) in unclaimed money held by Indians in Swiss banks. As of June 2019, Indians were ranked 74th in terms of money stored in Swiss banks. The question arises: why has there been no action?
Lack of Clear Intentions and Diplomatic Considerations
The Indian government's reluctance to take action on black money recovery is multi-faceted. Firstly, there is no clear indication of genuine intent from the Modi government. Despite access to relevant data and adherence to UN resolutions, which permit India to request the countries where the black money is stored, there has been no significant push for recovery. This raises doubts about the government's actual commitment.
Many speculate that the Modi government may have benefited from this situation by coercing black money holders to donate half of their funds to politicians or political parties, while hiding the other half in secret locations. This scenario suggests a complex and possibly questionable political maneuvering around the black money issue. The government's actions or inactions may be driven by strategic considerations rather than a genuine desire to recover the funds.
Elections and Perceptions
As we approach the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, there is a growing concern that any potential recovery of black money is being used as a political tool. Amit Shah, a key figure in the BJP, previously stated that the promise to bring back black money was only a "fooling exercise" initiated to win elections. This claim suggests that the government may be more focused on electoral gains than on actual action.
Some citizens remain skeptical, especially after the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many believe that the focus on black money recovery is more about maintaining political power than addressing the root cause of the problem. The situation is worsened by the perception that the government is more concerned with short-term political gains than long-term solutions.
Legacy and Future Prospects
The current Indian government is focused on building strong diplomatic relations with all countries to secure better positions, such as Non-Proliferation Group (NSG) membership and UN permanent membership. Any actions that could strain these relations, such as confronting Switzerland over black money, could have negative repercussions. Thus, news of black money recovery is often seen as mere political rhetoric aimed at misleading the public.
Instead of dwelling on the recovery of black money, the government priorities should be on creating more job opportunities, improving infrastructure, and addressing the welfare of the Indian population. By focusing on tangible issues, the government can build real credibility and show its commitment to the nation's development.
Conclusion
While the recovery of black money is a crucial issue, the actual actions taken by the Modi government suggest a more complex reality. The focus on diplomatic relations and the possibility of political gains suggest that genuine black money recovery may be a distant prospect. As we look ahead to the 2024 elections, citizens must consider whether the government's priorities truly align with the needs and hopes of the Indian people.