The important lesson which Arvind Kejriwal's political career teaches us is to never believe an Indian politician who says he will end corruption, and ensure honesty in public life.
The truth is that in India politics cannot be done without corruption. This is because a huge amount of money is required in politics in India. For example, it is estimated that a candidate contesting a Lok Sabha seat has to spend about Rs 10 crores, and one contesting an MLA seat has to spend about Rs 5 crores.
Moreover, running a political party requires hundreds of crores of rupees, for doing propaganda, paying money to workers, etc. . Where will all this money come from except by corruption ?
Arvind Kejriwal realised this soon after becoming Chief Minister, that if he wanted to remain honest he must give up politics, but if he wanted to remain in politics he must give up honesty.
We all know what option he chose.
(Justice Katju is a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India. These are his personal views.)
