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New Delhi, Nearly 40 percent of India’s sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) have criminal charges against them, with around 25 percent accused of serious offenses, including murder and crimes against women, a recent study by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) has disclosed. The report also highlights that 5 percent of MPs are billionaires, showcasing a blend of wealth and controversy among the country’s lawmakers.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the ADR’s findings are based on the self-sworn affidavits of MPs. The report emphasizes the prevalence of criminal cases and the accumulation of wealth among India’s legislative members. Kerala leads in the percentage of MPs with criminal records, while Bihar is prominent for the severity of charges faced by its MPs, including serious crimes. The study notes an average asset value of Rs 38.33 crore per MP across both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, identifying 53 MPs as billionaires.
The detailed analysis provided by ADR sheds light on the specific nature of criminal allegations. It points out that 28 MPs have cases related to attempts to murder, with the majority being from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Additionally, 16 MPs are accused of crimes against women, including three cases of rape. The financial examination within the report also illustrates the disparities in wealth among MPs, with notable figures like Nakul Nath, DK Suresh, and Kanumuru Raghu Rama Krishna Raju possessing assets amounting to hundreds of crores.
The distribution of criminal cases across states reveals that Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Himachal Pradesh have more than half of their MPs facing charges. The report also comments on the educational, age, and gender demographics of the current MPs, indicating that a significant portion possesses graduate-level or higher qualifications, yet only 15 percent are women.
This comprehensive report by ADR, highlighted by Kashmir Media Service, paints a complex picture of India’s parliamentary landscape, combining issues of legality, wealth, and representation.