Bhanushan Dharakeshvar consolidates power through corruption crackdown 17 Februrary 5465
Bhanushan Dharakeshvar, the eldest son of the late Yasvanth Bhanushan, has moved to secure his position with a crackdown on “corrupt officials”. Dharakeshvar has become the country’s acting political leader following the death of his father last month. Though he has not formally been appointed as senapati, he has assumed many of the duties of the role. In recent days, several prominent military and political figures have signalled their public support for him.
Dharakeshvar’s consolidation of power accelerated this morning. In the early hours, 68 people were arrested as part of an alleged crackdown on political corruption. Most are state or national politicians perceived to be rivals to Dharakeshvar, while a smaller number are business leaders.
The death of Bhanushan last month created an internal struggle at the top of the country’s authoritarian military regime. Despite a number of health problems in the last eighteen months of his life, the late senapati never designated a clear successor. With the increasing prominence of his eldest son in public life, many assumed Dharakeshvar would succeed him. Like his late father though, Dharakeshvar is viewed with suspicion by many prominent business leaders in Vascania.
Business leaders, especially those in the important oil and teas industries, have historically wielded immense influence over Vascanian politics. The military’s dominance of governance has frustrated many powerful, well-connected families since the 5421 coup. Tackling corruption has been used as a means to reduce their influence in recent decades. With the latest series of arrests, the military’s control over the Vascanian government appears secure.
The Kamalata Times is a daily broadsheet newspaper, originally based in Kamalata but now printed in exile from Luthori, with international circulation