Threatened, probe officials may stay unfazed despite Congress show

NEW DELHI: The poll results giving Congress a clear mandate in the Hindi heartland is likely to have little impact on the morale of the bureaucracy, particularly those who are investigating politically sensitive cases. Congress had recently issued a veiled “threat” to officials targeting politicians and their kin.

Traditionally closer to the vote on account, particularly in an election year, governance slows down with the focus of the ruling party on elections. The bureaucracy is more geared towards the vote on account and rounding up gains made in previous years. “Little is expected on taking up new schemes or policy decisions with long-term implications,” said a senior bureaucrat.

Days before election results were announced for Rajasthan, MP, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram, the Enforcement Directorate conducted searches on close associates of Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. The actions continued despite the fact that exit polls had clearly indicated Congress gains in major states like MP and Rajasthan.

“Why did the Congress hold two press conferences and threaten investigators?” It was more of an answer than question posed by a senior bureaucrat: “Actions are based on strong evidence that has unnerved the Congress,” he said, adding that the pace of work is determined by the proactive nature of the establishment in power.

For those working in the security establishment, there is little or no change in mode of their functioning, as elections come and go. However, for the sake of political posturing, agencies such as income tax, ED and CBI may take up more high-profile investigations to the prosecution stage.