Indian Politician: Only Steal A Little

A minister from Uttar Pradesh was caught on camera telling government officials that if they work hard, it’s OK for them to steal a little, but they shouldn’t get caught robbing public funds.

Here’s a report from the Times of India.

UP public works minister Shivpal Yada said his remarks were lighthearted and taken out of context. He said reporters weren’t authorized to be in the meeting and had edited his words.

The local TV station that recorded Yada denied doctoring the video. It was replayed last week across India on virtually every news progam.

The Times of India said ‘[s]everal UP ministers, including past chief ministers, are being probed for corruption and face charges in courts about possessing wealth disproportionate to their declared income.’