When the Modi government first came to power in 2014, it carried the promise of Na Khaunga, Na Khane Dunga (Neither will I take bribes, nor let others). Yet, over the past decade, a series of allegations, controversies, and financial scandals has chipped away at that narrative. While not all have been legally proven as "scams," the perception of crony capitalism, opacity, and institutional erosion continues to haunt the administration. Here’s a rundown of 20 major controversies and scams often associated with the Modi era:
1. Freedom 251 (2016)
Billed as the world’s cheapest smartphone at ₹251, the scheme turned out to be a Ponzi-style scam that duped lakhs of Indians.
2. Birla-Sahara Diary (2016)
Leaked documents allegedly linking corporate payoffs to politicians, including the names of top leaders. The issue was buried under legal technicalities.
3. Vyapam Scam Continuation (2015–)
While originating earlier in Madhya Pradesh, the scam in medical and recruitment exams continued to unravel under the BJP’s watch, with mysterious deaths adding to suspicion.
4. PNB–Nirav Modi Scam (2018)
One of India’s largest banking frauds, where diamond merchant Nirav Modi siphoned off ₹11,400 crore through fake LoUs. He fled the country under the government’s nose.
5. Mehul Choksi (2018)
Close associate of Nirav Modi, Choksi too defrauded indian banks before escaping abroad, raising questions about lax enforcement.
6. Rafale Deal Controversy (2018)
The multi-billion-dollar fighter jet purchase from france raised red flags over inflated pricing and bypassing HAL, fueling accusations of favoritism.
7. IL&FS Crisis (2018)
The infrastructure giant’s collapse exposed a ₹91,000 crore debt hole, with allegations of regulatory capture and government inaction.
8. PMC bank Collapse (2019)
Thousands of depositors were left in the lurch as punjab & maharashtra Co-operative bank crumbled under fraud worth ₹6,500 crore.
9. DHFL Scam (2019)
The housing finance company was accused of laundering ₹31,000 crore through shell firms, later linked to political funding.
10. Karvy Broking Scam (2019)
A financial fraud of ₹2,000 crore where investors’ shares were illegally pledged by the brokerage.
11. Yes bank Crisis (2020)
Yes Bank’s collapse under Rana Kapoor was tied to political connections and questionable lending practices, requiring RBI’s intervention.
12. PM CARES Fund (2020)
Launched during COVID, the opaque fund—outside RTI scrutiny—attracted billions, but accountability and spending remain questionable.
13. Pegasus Spyware Scandal (2021)
Global investigation revealed surveillance of activists, journalists, and opposition leaders via Israeli spyware Pegasus, allegedly facilitated by the government.
14. Adani–Hindenburg Fallout (2023)
The American short-seller accused adani Group of stock manipulation and fraud, exposing its deep ties to the Modi government.
15. Electoral Bonds (2018–2024)
Marketed as transparency reform, the scheme instead legalized anonymous corporate donations. The supreme court later struck it down as unconstitutional.
16. NEET Paper Leak (2024)
Lakhs of medical aspirants were affected as widespread exam leaks rocked India’s education system.
17. UGC–NET Leak (2024)
Another high-profile paper leak scandal, exposing systemic rot in recruitment and exam bodies.
18. adani Bribery Allegations (2024)
International media reports suggested bribery of officials in exchange for favorable policies.
19. wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital arrest Scams (2022–2025)
Cyber scams using fear of law enforcement grew under lax oversight, swindling citizens of crores.
20. Electoral Process Controversies (2025)
Allegations of EVM tampering, institutional bias, and curbs on free media cast doubt on the fairness of elections.
Final Word
From mega-bank frauds to exam leaks, from opaque funds to crony corporates, the decade-long rule of narendra modi has been marred by controversies that challenge the very promise of transparency and good governance. Whether history remembers them as allegations or proven scams, the collective weight of these cases has undeniably stained the "clean" image once projected by the government.
1. Freedom 251 (2016)
Billed as the world’s cheapest smartphone at ₹251, the scheme turned out to be a Ponzi-style scam that duped lakhs of Indians.
2. Birla-Sahara Diary (2016)
Leaked documents allegedly linking corporate payoffs to politicians, including the names of top leaders. The issue was buried under legal technicalities.
3. Vyapam Scam Continuation (2015–)
While originating earlier in Madhya Pradesh, the scam in medical and recruitment exams continued to unravel under the BJP’s watch, with mysterious deaths adding to suspicion.
4. PNB–Nirav Modi Scam (2018)
One of India’s largest banking frauds, where diamond merchant Nirav Modi siphoned off ₹11,400 crore through fake LoUs. He fled the country under the government’s nose.
5. Mehul Choksi (2018)
Close associate of Nirav Modi, Choksi too defrauded indian banks before escaping abroad, raising questions about lax enforcement.
6. Rafale Deal Controversy (2018)
The multi-billion-dollar fighter jet purchase from france raised red flags over inflated pricing and bypassing HAL, fueling accusations of favoritism.
7. IL&FS Crisis (2018)
The infrastructure giant’s collapse exposed a ₹91,000 crore debt hole, with allegations of regulatory capture and government inaction.
8. PMC bank Collapse (2019)
Thousands of depositors were left in the lurch as punjab & maharashtra Co-operative bank crumbled under fraud worth ₹6,500 crore.
9. DHFL Scam (2019)
The housing finance company was accused of laundering ₹31,000 crore through shell firms, later linked to political funding.
10. Karvy Broking Scam (2019)
A financial fraud of ₹2,000 crore where investors’ shares were illegally pledged by the brokerage.
11. Yes bank Crisis (2020)
Yes Bank’s collapse under Rana Kapoor was tied to political connections and questionable lending practices, requiring RBI’s intervention.
12. PM CARES Fund (2020)
Launched during COVID, the opaque fund—outside RTI scrutiny—attracted billions, but accountability and spending remain questionable.
13. Pegasus Spyware Scandal (2021)
Global investigation revealed surveillance of activists, journalists, and opposition leaders via Israeli spyware Pegasus, allegedly facilitated by the government.
14. Adani–Hindenburg Fallout (2023)
The American short-seller accused adani Group of stock manipulation and fraud, exposing its deep ties to the Modi government.
15. Electoral Bonds (2018–2024)
Marketed as transparency reform, the scheme instead legalized anonymous corporate donations. The supreme court later struck it down as unconstitutional.
16. NEET Paper Leak (2024)
Lakhs of medical aspirants were affected as widespread exam leaks rocked India’s education system.
17. UGC–NET Leak (2024)
Another high-profile paper leak scandal, exposing systemic rot in recruitment and exam bodies.
18. adani Bribery Allegations (2024)
International media reports suggested bribery of officials in exchange for favorable policies.
19. wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital arrest Scams (2022–2025)
Cyber scams using fear of law enforcement grew under lax oversight, swindling citizens of crores.
20. Electoral Process Controversies (2025)
Allegations of EVM tampering, institutional bias, and curbs on free media cast doubt on the fairness of elections.
Final Word
From mega-bank frauds to exam leaks, from opaque funds to crony corporates, the decade-long rule of narendra modi has been marred by controversies that challenge the very promise of transparency and good governance. Whether history remembers them as allegations or proven scams, the collective weight of these cases has undeniably stained the "clean" image once projected by the government.
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