Rising criminal politician nexus

A report from the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) informs that in 42 of the 102 Lok Sabha seats going to polls in the General Election’s first phase on April 19, three or more candidates are facing criminal cases.

The report is based on scrutiny of 1,618 contestants. 16 per cent of the 252 candidates are named in criminal cases, with 10% or 161 facing serious criminal charges.

Seven candidates have murder cases lodged against them, while 19 are implicated in attempt to murder cases. The report and its contents no longer surprise anyone.

Criminals have been traditionally active in Indian politics. As political competition is intensifying and the hegemony of traditionally dominant parties is being challenged, politics is attracting more and more criminals who are needed to mobilise turnout (or even bar some sections from appearing at the booth), distribute pre-election goodies or in some cases rigging. Indian elections are the largest electoral exercise in the world and as such require men who can manage resources.

This makes them lean on tainted politicians who can cover the cost of their own campaigns, pay to gain proximity to the party bosses and grab postpoll positions. The very system provides the raison d’etre for criminals to not merely enter politics but also thrive.