Kaju bhune plate mein, whisky glass mein,
Aya hai Ram Rajya vidhayak niwas mein.”
Amit Pandey
These lines by Adam Gondvi, a poet of the people, were once seen as a sharp critique of power and privilege in politics. Today, they seem to perfectly encapsulate the current state of Indian democracy, where the ideals of clean governance have been replaced by the harsh reality of political expediency. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which once prided itself on its commitment to integrity and its vocal stance against corruption, now finds itself facing serious scrutiny over the appointment of leaders with criminal backgrounds. The recent formation of the Delhi cabinet, where a significant number of ministers face ongoing criminal cases, has sparked a debate on whether power has become the ultimate justification for ethical compromise.
The contradiction is stark. The BJP, which has long positioned itself as the party of discipline and law and order, has often criticized opposition leaders for sheltering criminals. From calling out Lalu Prasad Yadav’s rule as jungle raj to branding Mamata Banerjee’s administration a haven for lawlessness, the party has built its electoral narrative around fighting corruption and crime. Yet, when it came to its own appointments, it appears to have disregarded the very principles it once championed. This raises a fundamental question: if a party that claims to be the guardian of good governance is willing to reward individuals facing serious allegations, what does that say about the state of Indian politics?
The issue is not confined to Delhi. On the very day that BJP confirmed its leadership in the capital, a minister from Maharashtra—belonging to the Ajit Pawar faction—was sentenced to two years in prison. This incident underscores a growing perception that political convenience has overridden legal and ethical considerations. The ideals once upheld by leaders like Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Lal Krishna Advani, and Dattopant Thengadi—who advocated for moral politics—now seem to be cast aside in favor of raw electoral calculations. If political parties, particularly the BJP, continue on this trajectory, they risk not only losing the trust of the people but also dismantling the foundational values that once defined Indian democracy.
The most glaring hypocrisy lies in the BJP’s relentless attacks on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over corruption and lawlessness. Throughout the election campaign, BJP leaders repeatedly condemned AAP for its alleged misgovernance and criminal links. However, when given the opportunity to prove their own commitment to ethical governance, they instead elevated individuals with serious allegations against them. This blatant double standard has led many to question whether Indian politics has reached a stage where criminality is not just tolerated but actively rewarded. Adam Gondvi’s poetry, which once served as a warning against political decay, now seems like a prophecy fulfilled.
If this trend continues, India’s democratic institutions will face an existential crisis. When power becomes the only criterion for leadership, when political parties prioritize loyalty over legality, the very essence of governance is eroded. The critical question remains—will Indian politics cleanse itself of this moral corruption, or will it continue to justify the unjustifiable in the pursuit of power?
Criminal Backgrounds in Governance
The recent confirmation of Rekha Gupta as the Chief Minister of Delhi has been met with significant backlash from opposition parties and political analysts. Critics have pointed out that her rise to power, along with the inclusion of individuals like Kapil Mishra, who has been accused of inciting violence during the 2020 Delhi riots, contradicts the BJP’s claim of ensuring clean governance. The inclusion of such leaders in high-ranking positions raises concerns about the party’s commitment to eradicating corruption and criminal elements from politics.
TMC MP Sagarika Ghosh strongly criticized the BJP’s actions, remarking, “The normalization of abusive behavior and the elevation of individuals with criminal records to ministerial positions reflect the hypocrisy of a party that once prided itself on ethical leadership.” Similar sentiments were echoed by other opposition leaders who questioned the BJP’s double standards—on one hand, condemning criminal elements in other parties, while on the other, promoting individuals with controversial pasts.
The BJP’s stance appears contradictory, as it has previously condemned opposition leaders such as Lalu Prasad Yadav for fostering a ‘jungle raj’ in Bihar and accused Mamata Banerjee of protecting criminal elements. However, its decision to appoint leaders with serious allegations to ministerial positions undermines its own narrative of ethical governance. Political analyst Dr. Arvind Kumar remarked, “When a party criticizes others for corruption but shields its own members with criminal records, it weakens its moral authority and damages public trust.”
The Criminalization of Indian Politics
The criminalization of politics in India is not a recent phenomenon; rather, it has been a long-standing issue that has progressively worsened. Data from the National Election Watch (NEW) and the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) paint a grim picture. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections:
- Nearly 43% of elected Members of Parliament (MPs) declared criminal cases against them.
- Approximately 29% of MPs faced serious charges, including murder, attempted murder, and crimes against women.
- The proportion of legislators with criminal backgrounds has consistently increased over the past three general elections.
Further, reports from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) indicate that a significant percentage of political candidates continue to contest elections despite serious allegations. Legal loopholes, prolonged judicial processes, and the power of political influence allow individuals with criminal charges to evade justice and maintain their grip on power.
One such recent case is that of Manikrao Kokate, Maharashtra’s Agriculture Minister, who was sentenced to two years in prison for his involvement in a 30-year-old fraud case. His conviction underscores a larger problem—leaders facing criminal charges often remain in positions of power for decades, impacting policy decisions and public trust.
The Impact on Democracy and Governance
The increasing involvement of individuals with criminal backgrounds in politics has far-reaching implications. When leaders with serious charges hold decision-making power, it weakens governance, hampers law enforcement, and encourages corruption. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has repeatedly warned that the criminalization of politics threatens democratic values and the rule of law.
Former Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi has often highlighted the perils of this trend, stating, “When politics becomes a refuge for criminals, governance suffers, and democracy weakens. The people deserve leaders who inspire trust, not fear.” Civil rights activists argue that the unchecked rise of such individuals discourages honest and capable candidates from entering the political arena, further deteriorating the quality of governance.
Additionally, the presence of criminal elements in governance leads to a rise in political violence and voter intimidation. Various incidents of political violence, including the 2021 post-poll violence in West Bengal and the 2020 Delhi riots, have seen the involvement of political figures with controversial pasts. This not only endangers the democratic process but also normalizes lawlessness at the highest levels of governance.
The Road Ahead: Solutions for Restoring Ethical Politics
Restoring ethical governance requires urgent and systemic reforms. Political parties, civil society, and the judiciary must work together to address the root causes of criminalization in politics.
- Stricter Scrutiny of Candidates: There must be a robust mechanism to vet political candidates. The Election Commission of India (ECI) should enforce stricter eligibility criteria to disqualify individuals facing serious criminal charges from contesting elections.
- Judicial Accountability: The judicial system must expedite cases involving political leaders. Fast-track courts should be established to ensure that individuals with criminal records do not evade justice through prolonged legal proceedings.
- Electoral Reforms: Comprehensive electoral reforms are needed to discourage the entry of criminal elements into politics. Measures such as state funding of elections, mandatory financial disclosures, and transparency in political funding can curb unethical practices.
- Public Awareness and Voter Responsibility: Voters must be informed about the backgrounds of candidates. Civil society organizations and the media should play a proactive role in educating the electorate to make informed decisions during elections.
- Political Will for Ethical Governance: Ultimately, political parties must demonstrate a genuine commitment to ethical governance by refusing to field candidates with criminal backgrounds. The onus lies on party leadership to prioritize integrity over electoral gains.
Political scientist Professor R. Ramachandran argues, “The criminalization of politics is a symptom of a larger cultural malaise. A systemic overhaul is needed, and this requires political will, judicial efficiency, and an informed electorate.” Similarly, social activist Meera Sanyal emphasizes, “Democratic institutions can only function effectively when they are led by individuals committed to public service, not personal power and profit.”
The recent developments in Indian politics highlight the deep-rooted challenges in ensuring clean governance. The appointment of individuals with criminal backgrounds to high offices not only undermines democratic principles but also erodes public trust in institutions meant to uphold justice and fairness. While the problem of criminalization in politics is longstanding, addressing it requires collective action from political parties, the judiciary, civil society, and the electorate.
As citizens, it is imperative to demand accountability and transparency from political leaders. The road to ethical governance may be long and arduous, but it is essential for the health of India’s democracy. Ensuring that leaders with integrity, rather than those with criminal records, shape the nation’s policies is crucial for a future where governance is driven by principles, not power struggles. Only through consistent reforms, vigilant public participation, and unwavering political will can India’s democracy be safeguarded from the clutches of criminal influence.
The recent developments in Indian politics underscore the persistent challenge of ensuring clean governance. The appointment of individuals with criminal backgrounds to ministerial positions is not just a political compromise; it is an assault on the very foundation of democracy. When leaders with serious allegations are rewarded with power, it raises concerns about the integrity of political institutions and erodes public trust in governance. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has long championed the narrative of eradicating corruption and crime, now finds itself in a paradox, promoting individuals facing legal scrutiny while simultaneously attacking opposition parties on similar grounds.
The criminalization of politics is not a new phenomenon, but its normalization is deeply troubling. While parties prioritize electoral success over ethical considerations, the judiciary, civil society, and voters must rise to the occasion to challenge this dangerous trend. The courts play a crucial role in ensuring that justice is not subverted by political influence, while civil society must continue to demand accountability. However, the ultimate responsibility lies with the electorate. If voters continue to choose leaders based on caste, religion, or short-term populism rather than integrity, the vicious cycle of criminality in politics will persist.
Despite these challenges, hope remains. Public awareness and increasing activism against political corruption signal a growing demand for transparency. The fight for ethical governance is long, but it is essential for the survival of democracy. As poet Munawwar Rana aptly put it:
“Mitti ka jism le ke safar mein nikal pade,
Naqsh-e-kadam batayenge sarkar kiski hai.”
If India’s political system continues to accept crime and corruption as political norms, the footprints of power will be marked not by justice but by deceit. Only through collective action can the nation reclaim its democratic values and ensure that power is wielded by those who serve the people, not those who exploit them.
( Author is Managing Editor of The Emerging World)
