By P Mohan Chandran
How much would you be willing to bet on a coin toss? Perhaps a lot if you knew the coin was rigged. But what if the same logic applied to the political arena of the world's largest democracy? Would you feel comfortable knowing the people representing you, making your laws, shaping your future, might be standing trial for criminal charges? Is it unsettling to know that 44% of your legislators could potentially be criminals? These are questions we must ask ourselves as we peel back the layers of the recent unsettling analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
ADR's recent data presents a grim picture of the Indian political landscape. The study analyzed the self-sworn affidavits of 4,001 MLAs out of 4,033 serving across 28 state assemblies and 2 union territories. A disturbing 44% of MLAs have declared criminal cases against themselves. Even more alarming, 28% – or 1,136 MLAs – have admitted to serious criminal charges, including murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and crimes against women.
In Kerala, it is not just a few rotten apples spoiling the bunch – the entire basket seems tainted. A staggering 70% of the MLAs, 95 out of 135, have declared criminal cases against themselves. States like Bihar, Delhi, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu aren't far behind, with percentages ranging from 60% to 67%.
But the ADR analysis delves deeper, uncovering statistics that send chills down one's spine. 114 MLAs across the nation have declared cases pertaining to crimes against women, and out of these, 14 have specifically declared cases related to rape. What does it say about a society when those meant to uphold justice and safety stand accused of the very crimes they should be battling?
As we navigate these murky waters, another alarming pattern emerges: the correlation between crime and wealth. The average assets per MLA were found to be Rs 13.63 crores. However, the average assets of MLAs with declared criminal cases were higher, at Rs 16.36 crores. Are wealth and power not just the end but also the means in our political system? What does it say about us if we have created a system where the accused are richer than the law-abiding representatives?
Yet, amidst the chaos and corruption, there is a call to action – a rallying cry for a vibrant, effective democracy, purged of its criminal elements. How do we begin this daunting task? How do we weed out the unscrupulous and foster an environment of integrity?
Electoral reforms are imperative. Strengthening the legal framework around election candidacy, enforcing a strict 'No Criminal Charges' rule, and speeding up trials for accused politicians are just the beginning. We, as voters, have a crucial role to play in this transformation. We need to be informed, to question, and to demand transparency.
But let's end with a hard truth. If these are the statistics for self-declared crimes, what about the ones lurking in the shadows? What does it say about a democracy where the custodians of law and order are the lawbreakers themselves? We must leave no stone unturned in our quest for a better, cleaner, more vibrant democracy. The question is, are we ready for the upheaval it entails? Are we prepared to oust the monsters we ourselves have nurtured? The time has come for us to decide.
Will we let our democracy become a 'democrazy,' or will we have the courage to reclaim it? Will we be spectators or participants in shaping our future? Only time will tell. Until then, let these questions provoke, prompt, and push us towards change.
Do you think it's 'high time' to weed out criminals from Indian politics?
A. Absolutely, there should be zero tolerance for criminals.
B. Even clean ones become criminals after entering politics.
© 2023. P Mohan Chandran. All Rights Reserved.
18072023
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