When people in India talk about corruption, they often point fingers at two groups: the politicians (netas) and the government officers (babus). Both play important roles in running the country, but they are also frequently blamed for how the system is misused. So who is more corrupt? Who really holds more power? The answer is not simple. But by looking at real examples and everyday experiences, we can better understand the relationship between the two.

Politicians are often seen at the center of major scams. These are the kinds of cases that make national headlines. Some of the biggest corruption scandals in India’s history involved ministers and political leaders. The Commonwealth Games scam in 2010, the 2G spectrum scam, and the Adarsh Housing Society scam are just a few examples. These scandals involved crores of rupees and damaged the country’s reputation. In many such cases, politicians either directly led the scams or allowed them to happen during their term.

However, no big scam happens without support from within the system. This is where bureaucrats come in. These officers manage the daily functioning of the government. They handle files, approve projects, and sign contracts. In many scams, it was the babus who managed the paperwork and helped the scam succeed. They understand the system very well and sometimes misuse that knowledge for personal gain.

Take the Fodder Scam in Bihar as an example. It was not just politicians who were involved in stealing money meant for animal feed. Government officers played a big role too. They created fake bills and false accounts to hide the theft. And this is not a one-time case. Across India, whether it is mining scams, liquor licenses, land deals, or inflated contract work, politicians and bureaucrats are often found working together.

Now let’s talk about power. On paper, politicians appear to be in charge. They are elected by the people, make laws, decide on policies, and choose officers for important positions. But bureaucrats have a different kind of power. They are not removed every five years like politicians. They stay in the system for decades. They know the rules well, understand how things work, and can use procedures to delay or even stop decisions. Often, a minister may want action taken quickly, but the file will not move unless the officer agrees.

This leads to a quiet power struggle. Politicians may give orders, but it is the officer who decides how, or even whether, those orders are carried out. Many officers say they face political pressure to do wrong things. On the other hand, politicians often complain that officers are too slow or corrupt themselves. In some cases, both may be telling the truth.

The effects of their corruption are also different. Politicians are linked to large scams that affect the entire nation. Bureaucrats affect people’s daily lives. Bribes to get a ration card, delays in getting a driving license, or problems during land registration usually involve babus. So while politicians may steal crores, bureaucrats take smaller amounts from many people, which adds up over time.

There is also official proof that both groups often rely on each other. A government report from the 1990s, known as the Vohra Committee Report, said that criminals, politicians, and bureaucrats often work together. This creates a shadow system of power that operates behind the scenes and mostly serves personal interests instead of the public good.

So, who is more corrupt? And who is more powerful?

The answer depends on the situation. Politicians may lead big scams and set the direction. Bureaucrats control the system and decide how things happen. Politicians misuse influence. Officers misuse rules and procedures. Politicians steal big amounts. Bureaucrats steal smaller amounts, but more often.

The reality is that both are deeply connected. You cannot fix corruption by going after only one group. Both netas and babus must be held accountable. Honest officers deserve protection. Honest leaders need support. But both groups must answer serious questions, because corruption at all levels is slowing down India’s growth.