Because political authority and the apparatus of the state are suspected of being linked with vested interests, liberal causes are prey to populist attack. Therefore, corruption must be addressed if reform is to be sustained and liberalization consolidated. Politicians in India often derive political support from their ability to distribute spoils to their political supporters in lieu of broad services that target entire communities. Once elected, governing powers and the associated economic advantages are likely to be exercised as private rights. Since patronage, not policies, is delivered to pay off supporters, a crisis of governability is inevitable because politicians are unable to disperse spoils broadly enough to meet the demand.
Narrow distribution causes resentment, a formula for constant conflict.
Meanwhile, the government's general ability to provide basic services falters. A government willing to grapple with corruption by changing the system that nourishes it can dispel doubts that only the rich or insiders will benefit from reforms. The impetus for the 1996 political reversals of the Congress Party in national and local elections was corruption driven. An activist judiciary showed for the first time in the nation's history that politicians could be held accountable, and the voters responded to the courts' inspiration. India's progressive movement may have begun.