7 June 2024: A recent analysis by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that 251 out of 543 newly elected Lok Sabha members, or 46%, have criminal cases registered against them, marking the highest number of candidates with criminal charges elected to the Lower House. Among these, 27 MPs have already been convicted.
The data indicates a significant increase in criminal charges among MPs over the years. In 2004, 125 MPs (23%) had declared criminal cases. This number rose to 162 (30%) in 2009, 185 (34%) in 2014, and 233 (43%) in 2019. The latest figures show a 55% increase in MPs with declared criminal cases since 2009.
A more concerning trend is the rise in serious criminal charges. This year, 170 MPs (31%) face serious charges such as rape, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, and crimes against women. This figure has grown from 76 MPs (14%) in 2009, 112 (21%) in 2014, and 159 (29%) in 2019, representing a 124% increase since 2009.
The ADR report details specific allegations among the newly elected MPs. Four have declared cases related to murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and 27 have cases related to attempt to murder under Section 307. Additionally, 15 MPs face charges related to crimes against women, including two accused of rape under Section 376. Cases related to hate speech are also prominent, with 43 MPs facing such charges.
The likelihood of electoral success for candidates with criminal cases in the 2024 elections was significantly higher at 15.3%, compared to 4.4% for those without any criminal background.
Among the major political parties, the BJP has 94 (39%) of its 240 winning candidates with declared criminal cases. The Congress follows with 49 (49%) of its 99 winning candidates, and the Samajwadi Party (SP) has 21 (45%) of its 37 winning candidates facing criminal charges. The report also highlights that 13 (45%) of the Trinamool Congress (TMC)’s 29 candidates, 13 (59%) of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK)’s 22 candidates, eight (50%) of the Telugu Desam Party (TDP)’s 16 candidates, and five (71%) of the Shiv Sena’s seven candidates have declared criminal cases.
For serious criminal cases, the report notes that 63 BJP candidates (26%), 32 Congress candidates (32%), and 17 SP candidates (46%) are facing such charges. Among the TMC, seven candidates (24%), the DMK, six candidates (27%), the TDP, five candidates (31%), and the Shiv Sena, four candidates (57%) have declared serious criminal cases.
These findings underscore the growing concern over the criminalization of politics in India and the pressing need for electoral reforms to address this issue. Haider Abbas, a political analyst, emphasizes the urgent need for stricter regulations and transparency in the electoral process to curb this alarming trend.
