As a global phenomenon, governments and politicians rarely remain untouched by controversies.While countries like India are renowned for widespread corruption, United States is known for sex-scandals that involved Presidents. In most cases where politicians have been involved, motivation and reasonshaveeither, corruption, money or political. Five such famous political controversiesworldwide include:
Robert Packwood Controversy
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Packwood, an U.S. politician from Oregon and a member of Republican Party, had made to the headlines for all the wrong reasons. He was accused of sexual abuse and assault by 10 women, who were part of his office staff. Initially, he denied the allegation, but had to admit them later. Eventually, the controversy led to his resign from the US Senate in 1995.
Commonwealth Games Scandal
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This scandal was disastrous for India as it proved widespread corruption in Indian political sphere. In a 12-day sporting event, billions of dollars were engulfed by the Indian government. One of the biggest scandals in the history this,earned India a shameful name in every commonwealth nation. Suresh Kalmadi, politicians and former Chairman of Organizing Committee of the CWG, was accused and arrested in 2011 as the main culprit, but later released on bail in 2012. He was suspended from the Indian National Congress and was thrown out of the post of President of Indian Olympic Association.
Watergate Scandal
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This scandal is famous for being the only case of resignation of a U.S. President. Richard Nixon,the President resigned on August 9, 1974 as a result of June 1973-break. It all started at the Democratic National Committee headquarters of the Watergate office complex in Washington D.C. The case involved indictment, trial, conviction and incarceration of 43 people, including dozens of Nixon’s top administration officials.
Search Engine vs China
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In 2009, Yahoo, Google and Microsoft were declared accomplices of oppressive forces that facilitated state suppression of dissent, such as the 1989 Tiananmen Square protest. The scandal involved arrest of journalist Shi Tao for illegally divulging state secrets abroad. It gave government an opportunity to censor Internet. The Chinese government proved very strict in applying ‘play by the rules’ in case of Internet.
The revelations of these scandals made headlines and had severe impact on personalities involved along with political groups they were associated with.