Lalit Gargg
India today stands at a historic crossroads. On one hand, the nation is moving forward with the vision of Developed India–2047, progressing toward becoming the world’s third-largest economy, while its global stature continues to rise. Under the leadership of Narendra Modi, India is emerging as a significant force in global politics and diplomacy. Yet, on the other hand, the growing penetration of crime, money power, and muscle power into Indian politics is deeply wounding the spirit of democracy. It is indeed paradoxical that while India aspires to become a Vishwaguru (global leader), its political system still remains far from being crime-free. Recent figures emerging after the West Bengal Assembly elections have further intensified these concerns. According to reports published by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), nearly 65 percent of legislators in the West Bengal Assembly have criminal cases against them, while around 61 percent are millionaires.
The report states that out of 294 legislators, 190 have declared criminal cases against themselves, and nearly 142 face serious criminal charges, including murder, attempted murder, crimes against women, and other grave offences. However, this is not merely a West Bengal issue. Similar trends are visible in Parliament and several state legislatures across India. Electoral analyses in recent years reveal that states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana have elected substantial numbers of representatives facing serious criminal allegations. The increasing presence of tainted individuals in democratic institutions has become a national concern.
Politics was originally envisioned as a medium of public service, ethical leadership, and nation-building. Leaders such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jayaprakash Narayan, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Atal Bihari Vajpayee gave politics a value-based direction. Over time, however, ideological commitment has increasingly been replaced by electoral arithmetic, money power, and influence networks. Today, many political parties appear to prioritize a candidate’s “winnability” over integrity, character, and public service. Consequently, individuals with questionable backgrounds often receive electoral tickets without hesitation. Since entering national politics, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly expressed concern over the criminalization of politics. He has emphasized in Parliament and public forums that cleansing politics is essential for strengthening democracy and has advocated special courts for the speedy disposal of cases involving public representatives. Yet, the reality remains troubling: almost all political parties appear trapped in the same cycle. Intense electoral competition and the pressure to secure victories often compel parties to nominate tainted candidates.
Several factors contribute to this crisis. First is the escalating cost of elections. Contesting elections has increasingly become unaffordable for ordinary citizens, giving an advantage to economically powerful individuals. Second is the continued influence of muscle power and political dominance in several regions. Third is the slow judicial process, where cases involving serious crimes remain pending for years, enabling accused individuals to continue contesting elections and even becoming lawmakers. Another major dimension of political criminalization is the dominance of wealth. The West Bengal figures reveal that 61 percent of legislators are millionaires. Similar trends are visible nationwide, where the proportion of wealthy representatives in Parliament and assemblies continues to rise.
This raises an important question: Is democracy gradually moving beyond the reach of ordinary citizens? If politics becomes confined only to the wealthy and influential, the inclusive spirit of democracy will inevitably weaken. In these circumstances, civil society and democratic organizations assume critical importance. The Bharatiya Matdata Sangathan has been making commendable efforts in this direction. Under the leadership of its founder, Rikhabchand Jain, the organization has long been conducting public awareness campaigns aimed at promoting clean and crime-free politics. The organization works to encourage voter awareness, ethical voting, clean politics, and responsible citizenship. It seeks to educate society that voting decisions should not be based solely on caste, religion, region, or party loyalty, but on a candidate’s character and public conduct. Similarly, organizations such as the Association for Democratic Reforms have played a significant role in enhancing electoral transparency by making information related to candidates’ criminal records, assets, and educational backgrounds publicly accessible.
The Election Commission of India has also taken continuous steps in this direction. Following directives from the Supreme Court, political parties are now required to disclose the criminal records of their candidates. Candidates must submit affidavits detailing criminal cases, assets, liabilities, and other relevant information. Yet formal measures alone are insufficient. These efforts need to become broader, stronger, and more effective. Today, India needs a nationwide movement against the criminalization of politics. Several concrete steps are essential: First, serious consideration should be given to barring candidates from contesting elections where charges related to murder, rape, kidnapping, corruption, and other grave offences have already been framed by courts. Second, the number of special courts dealing with cases involving elected representatives should be increased to ensure speedy trials. Third, political parties must be held accountable for fielding tainted candidates and should publicly explain why such individuals were chosen despite the availability of clean candidates. Fourth, election expenditure should be strictly regulated and made transparent so that capable and honest citizens can participate in politics. Fifth, voter awareness must become a mass movement. Reforms will remain incomplete unless voters themselves reject tainted candidates.
India is moving toward an ambitious future where political integrity and ethical governance are more necessary than ever before. If India truly aims to become a developed nation by 2047, emerge as a global leader, and assume international leadership, politics must be freed from the grip of crime and money power. Economic growth, technological advancement, and global prestige will be meaningful only when the soul of democracy remains protected. Politics should not merely be a means of acquiring power; it must remain an instrument of social transformation. Democracy is not merely arithmetic of votes—it is a sacred system built upon trust, morality, and genuine representation.
Crime-free politics will lead to transparent governance, strengthen public confidence, and accelerate nation-building. The responsibility does not rest solely with governments or election authorities. Society, voter organizations, civil institutions, media, and conscious citizens must collectively participate in this mission. Efforts such as those undertaken by the Bharatiya Matdata Sangathan offer hope and deserve national expansion. The foundation of India’s developed future cannot rest only on economic growth; it must equally stand upon clean and ethical politics. Because only crime-free politics can truly define a Developed India, Prosperous India, and Global India. |
