The big financial scandal allegedly involving the former Jharkhand Chief Minister, Madhu Koda, has resulted in editorial comments by many papers. Describing the sequence of events in the fast rise of the 38-year old former CM in politics, Rashtriya Sahara, in its editorial (November 2) “Loot of public wealth”, writes: “The short story of Madhu Koda’s political rise at least speaks of the fact that he may be young in age but his deeds could surprise even politicians double his age.” The paper further states: “This is not the first instance of any financial corruption on the part of a politician. From time to time stories of financial corruption of different individuals have been coming to the open. These instances prove that a considerable number of our politicians are up to their neck in muddy pools of corruption. Needless to point out that the role for us, the common people, in giving encouragement to such corrupt politicians (sar charhaney mein) is also not any good. Along with strict legal action against such persons, they should also be rejected by the people and their membership of Assembly or Parliament should be revoked.”

Delhi-based daily Hindustan Express in its editorial entitled, “Koda par korey lekin...” (whiplashes on Koda, but...), writes (November 3): “Undoubtedly, our government is aware of the tricky world of flow of black money and income tax evasion and also serious about putting a stop to it. FM Pranab Mukherjee is struggling with the heaven of tax evaders — Swiss banks — so that the country’s wealth could be bought back from there. But we cannot succeed in this campaign as long as the law does not catch hold of elements who produce Madhu Kodas. What is needed for this is firm political resolve, inflexible honesty and courage.”

... contd.