All you need to know about criminalization of politics

India gained independence from British Rule in 1947, but a question to ponder over: Is India still read this an independent nation? It is still being governed by the people who are holding criminal charges against them. Do you think that the country of India will progress in such a way?

India is a democratic country, with a parliamentary system of democracy, which means that the country is governed by elected representatives. It has many political parties and elections are held every five years. The scope and interest in joining politics are increasing day by day but with this, the percentage of criminal participation has also increased.

Even the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, from time to time, has expressed its anguish over the matter of increasing criminalization of politics in the Indian scenario.

Why are criminals joining politics in India
Criminals are joining politics in India for a variety of reasons. The first reason is that crime pays. Getting into the legitimate sphere of politics is a way to legitimize one’s gains from crime and power their finances further.

The second reason is the lack of opportunities in other fields. In some cases, criminals have been pushed out of their traditional fields due to economic liberalisation and changing labour markets, and so they see politics as an opportunity to make a living without breaking any laws.

The third reason why criminals join politics is that they tend to be more highly motivated than other politicians and thus more likely to deliver on electoral promises, such as providing employment or development projects which can improve people’s lives.

Statistical analysis of criminalization of politics
The menace of criminalization of politics is gradually degrading the spirit of our Indian democracy. India claims to be the world’s largest democracy, but it cannot be called a democracy of ideal representatives.

Abraham Lincoln, in his Gettysburg address on November 19, 1863, defined democracy. He said, “Democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people.” But now, democracy is only seen in the books. In such a situation, how can the welfare of society prevail?

As per the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), the chances of winning by people facing criminal charges are more than for innocent and clean-handed people. ADR is an organization that has been working continuously to bring electoral and political reforms since 1999. Let us look at the statistical data of the past three elections.