Crime and money power runs deep in India’s new Lok Sabha
Mint analysis of individual-level data sourced from ADR, which compiles the information from each candidate’s nomination affidavit in every election. A state-wise analysis further revealed that the new MPs facing criminal cases belong only to 22 of the 36 states and Union territories: there are none from the other 14 (which includes the seven north-eastern states and Uttarakhand among major states). Eleven states witnessed an increase in the number of such Lok Sabha members, while seven saw a decrease.
Odisha was among the states that saw the highest increase in elected MPs facing criminal charges. In 2019, the state sent just six such MPs, while this time, there are 16. This coincides with the BJP gaining ground in the eastern state, and the Biju Janata Dal losing strength.
Bihar, with 22 elected Lok Sabha members facing cases, saw the biggest decline from 2019, when it had 35 such MPs. States such as Kerala (95%) and Telangana (82%) had among the highest shares of parliamentary seats occupied by MPs facing at least one criminal case. Politicians with criminal backgrounds are not the only concern, as there is a simultaneous growing influence of money power in the lawmaking system.
A constituency-wise analysis of the assets owned by winners and their immediate opponents (runners-up) showed that a majority, over 54%, of Indian constituencies elected a wealthier candidate. While voters may not choose wealth, past Plain Facts analyses have shown that wealthier candidates have a better shot at winning—possibly because they can mobilize stronger campaigns. The analysis covered 541 of the 543 seats, and excludes Surat (which had only one candidate), Indore (where the ‘none of the above’ option was the runner-up).
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