New Delhi- A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has revealed that 151 sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs) across India declared charges related to crimes against women. West Bengal leads with 25 such lawmakers.
In a startling disclosure, the ADR has revealed that candidates with declared criminal cases had a significantly higher chance of winning in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections compared to those with clean backgrounds. The data indicates that the success rate for candidates with criminal charges was 15.3%, while candidates without any criminal cases had a much lower success rate of just 4.4%.
This trend raises serious concerns about the increasing influence of individuals with questionable backgrounds in Indian politics.
The ADR analyzed 4,693 out of 4,809 affidavits submitted by MPs and MLAs to the Election Commission between 2019 and 2024. Of these, 16 MPs and 135 MLAs are facing charges related to crimes against women. West Bengal has the most with 25 MPs and MLAs implicated in such cases, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 21 and Odisha with 17.
This report comes at a critical time, coinciding with nationwide protests triggered by incidents like the alleged rape and murder of a trainee doctor at a government hospital in Kolkata and the sexual assault of two minors in Thane.
The report highlights that 16 sitting MPs and MLAs have disclosed cases under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which deals with rape, a crime punishable by a minimum of 10 years in prison, extending to life imprisonment. Among them, two are MPs, and 14 are MLAs. Some of these cases involve repeat offenses against the same victim, underscoring the gravity of the charges.
The ADR report analyzed the election outcomes and found that the odds of winning were overwhelmingly in favor of candidates with criminal records. Of the candidates who declared criminal cases, many were able to secure victories, showcasing a growing tolerance, or even preference, among voters for such candidates.
The report highlights that 43 winning candidates in the 2024 elections have declared cases related to hate speech. This is a worrying trend, as it suggests that even those involved in divisive rhetoric are able to garner significant electoral support.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has the highest number of lawmakers facing charges related to crimes against women, with 54 MPs and MLAs. The Congress follows with 23, and the Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has 17 such lawmakers. Both the BJP and Congress have five sitting MPs and MLAs each facing charges of rape.
The ADR report strongly urges political parties to refrain from fielding candidates with criminal backgrounds, particularly those accused of serious crimes like rape and other offenses against women. It also calls for expedited court proceedings and thorough investigations by the police in cases involving legislators.
The ADR report also sheds light on the increasing number of MPs with criminal records.
Criminal Cases: Out of the 543 winning candidates in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, 251 (46%) have declared criminal cases against themselves. This represents a significant increase from previous elections—233 MPs (43%) in 2019, 185 MPs (34%) in 2014, and 162 MPs (30%) in 2009. This marks a 55% rise in MPs with criminal records over the past 15 years.
Serious Criminal Cases: The number of winning candidates with serious criminal charges has also risen sharply. In 2024, 170 MPs (31%) have declared serious charges, including those related to rape, murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and crimes against women. This is up from 159 MPs (29%) in 2019, 112 MPs (21%) in 2014, and 76 MPs (14%) in 2009, reflecting a staggering 124% increase since 2009.
94 (39%) out of 240 Winning candidates from BJP, 49 (49%) out of 99 Winning candidates from INC, 21 (57%) out of 37 Winning candidates from SP, 13 (45%) out of 29 Winning candidates fielded by AITC, 13 (59%) out of 22 Winning candidates fielded by DMK, 8 (50%) out of 16 Winning candidates fielded by TDP and 5 (71%) out of 7 winning candidates from Shiv Sena have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.
Crorepati Winning candidates: Out of the 543 Winning candidates analysed, 504 (93%) are crorepatis. Out of 539 MPs analysed during Lok Sabha 2019 elections, 475 (88%) MPs were crorepatis. Out of 542 MPs analysed during Lok Sabha 2014 elections, 443 (82%) MPs were crorepatis and out of 543 MPs analysed during Lok Sabha 2009 elections, 315(58%) MPs were crorepatis.
227 (95%) out of 240 Winning candidates from BJP, 92 (93%) out of 99 Winning candidates from INC, 21 (95%) out of 22 Winning candidates from DMK, 27(93%) out of 29 Winning candidates fielded by AITC, 34(92%) out of 37 Winning candidates fielded by SP, 3 (100%) out of 3 Winning candidates fielded by AAP, 12(100%) out of 12 Winning candidates fielded by JD(U) and 16(100%) Winning candidates from TDP have declared assets worth more than Rs. 1 crore.
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