Why Indian Politics Feels Broken: A Real Talk About Corruption, Taxes, and Poverty

Yaar, let’s have a real conversation today. You know that feeling when you’re stuck in traffic on a potholed road, and you’re thinking – “Where are my taxes going?” Or when you visit a government office and the whole experience feels like torture? Yeah, we need to talk about Indian politics and why it often feels so frustrating.

The Corruption Problem in Indian Politics

Let’s start with the elephant in the room – corruption in India. It’s not just about big scams you read in newspapers. It’s about everyday experiences. Want a driving license? “Sir, thoda extra dedo, jaldi ho jayega.” Need a government certificate? The clerk suddenly becomes very busy unless you know someone or pay up.

Why does corruption exist at every level?

The system itself has created opportunities for corruption. When government processes are deliberately complicated, when there’s no transparency, when the same person who processes your application also decides whether to approve it – that’s a recipe for corruption in Indian politics.

And here’s the thing – when politicians and bureaucrats see others getting away with corruption, they think, “Why shouldn’t I?” There’s almost no accountability. How many corrupt politicians actually go to jail? Even when they do, they often come out and continue in politics like nothing happened.

High Taxes, Poor Services – The Great Indian Paradox

Now let’s talk about taxes. We’re paying GST on almost everything – from your morning chai to your phone bill. Income tax, road tax, property tax, professional tax… the list goes on. Middle-class Indians are honest taxpayers, contributing a huge chunk to government revenue.

But what do we get in return?

Government services in India are often terrible:

• Hospitals where you need to bring your own bedsheets
• Schools with no proper toilets or teachers
• Roads that develop craters after one monsoon
• Public transport that’s overcrowded and unsafe
• Police stations where filing an FIR feels like begging

Meanwhile, our politicians enjoy Z+ security, free bungalows, subsidized canteens, and lifetime pensions after just five years of service. The irony is not lost on us.

Where do our taxes actually go? Good question. A huge portion goes to salaries and pensions of government employees. Then there are subsidies – some necessary, many leaking through corruption. Infrastructure projects that cost 3x more than they should because of kickbacks. And let’s not forget the money that just… disappears.

Why Half of India is Still Poor

This is the most heartbreaking part. We’re in 2025, and poverty in India is still a massive reality. According to various estimates, anywhere from 200 to 400 million Indians live in poverty. That’s almost one-third of our population.

Why does poverty persist in India?

1. Education Inequality Government schools in villages often lack basic facilities. Teachers don’t show up. Students sit on floors without proper books. Meanwhile, urban kids go to fancy private schools. This education gap means poor kids rarely escape poverty.

2. Lack of Good Jobs India’s unemployment rate is concerning, especially youth unemployment. We produce millions of graduates, but where are the quality jobs? Without decent employment, how will people escape poverty?

3. Agricultural Crisis More than 40% of Indians depend on agriculture for livelihood, but farming is often not profitable. Farmers are in debt, commit suicide, and their children want to leave villages. Yet agricultural reforms in Indian politics are either inadequate or poorly implemented.

4. Healthcare Costs One medical emergency can push a lower-middle-class family into poverty. Government healthcare is often inadequate, forcing people to go private and spend their life savings on treatment.

5. Political Apathy Let’s be honest – poverty is not a vote-catcher. Politicians prefer giving freebies before elections rather than creating systems that generate employment and opportunity. It’s easier to distribute free rice than to fix the education system.

Why Indian Politics Feels So Dysfunctional

So why is governance in India so problematic? Let me break it down:

Criminalization of Politics: Too many politicians have criminal cases against them. We literally elect people accused of serious crimes and then wonder why the system doesn’t work.

Vote Bank Politics: Rather than focusing on development, politicians divide us on religious, caste, and regional lines. They know that keeping us fighting among ourselves means we won’t question their performance.

Dynasty Politics: Many political parties are family businesses. Your last name matters more than your capability. This blocks talented people from entering politics.

Lack of Accountability: Once elected, politicians rarely face consequences for unfulfilled promises. No performance review, no accountability. They’ll just come back next election with new promises.

Money Power: Elections in India cost crores. Where does this money come from? And what do these “donors” expect in return? This creates a cycle where only the wealthy or those backed by wealthy interests can participate in politics.

Can Anything Change?

Here’s the hopeful part – yes, things can change, but only if we change our approach:

As Citizens:

• Stop voting based on caste, religion, or freebies. Vote for competent candidates
• Use RTI (Right to Information) to question the government
• Participate in local governance – attend gram sabhas and ward committee meetings
• Hold elected representatives accountable through social media and public pressure

Systemic Changes Needed:

• Electoral reforms to reduce money power in elections
• Fast-track courts for cases against politicians
• More transparency in how taxes are spent
• Decentralization – let local bodies have real power and money
• Education and healthcare should be top priorities

The Bottom Line

Indian politics frustrates us because we see the gap between what could be and what is. We’re a nation with incredible talent, resources, and potential. Yet corruption in government, poor prioritization, and lack of accountability hold us back.

The high taxes with poor government services, the persistence of poverty despite economic growth, the corruption at every level – these aren’t unsolvable problems. They exist because we’ve tolerated them. They exist because the system benefits those in power.

But here’s what I believe – our generation is different. We’re more aware, more connected, and less willing to accept the status quo. We’re questioning, demanding, and participating.

Change won’t come overnight. But it will come. It has to.

Until then, keep asking questions. Keep demanding better. Your vote matters. Your voice matters. Don’t let anyone tell you that “politics will always be like this.”

Because India deserves better. We deserve better.

What do you think? Share your experiences with Indian politics, governance issues, or corruption in the comments below. Let’s keep this conversation going.