Analysis of India’s Sitting MPs: Criminal Records, Assets, and Wealth Disparities

A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch (NEW) has shed light on the composition of India’s sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. The report highlights a range of critical aspects, including criminal cases, serious criminal charges, and the wealth disparities among these lawmakers.

Criminal Cases among Sitting MPs

One of the most striking findings of the report is that approximately 40% of sitting MPs have declared criminal cases against them. These cases encompass a wide spectrum of offenses. Even more concerning, 25% of these MPs have declared serious criminal cases, including charges related to murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, and crimes against women. This revelation raises important questions about the integrity and suitability of these lawmakers to represent the people.

Regional Disparities

The report also reveals regional variations in the prevalence of criminal cases among MPs. For instance, Kerala, Bihar, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Delhi have a relatively higher percentage of MPs with criminal cases against them. Kerala tops the list with a staggering 79% of its MPs facing such charges.

Wealth Disparities and Billionaire MPs

In terms of wealth, the report highlights substantial disparities among MPs. The average worth of assets per MP from both Houses (Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) is ₹38.33 crores. An astounding 7% of these MPs are billionaires. These figures reflect the significant wealth disparities among India’s lawmakers, raising questions about the representation of diverse economic backgrounds in the political arena.

Party-wise Analysis

The report also provides insights into the wealth distribution among MPs from different political parties. For example, the average assets per MP for BJP MPs is ₹18.31 crores, while Congress MPs have average assets worth ₹39.12 crores. This divergence in wealth among MPs from different parties underscores the complex dynamics of Indian politics.

Billionaire MPs by State

Notably, certain states have a higher concentration of billionaire MPs. Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Karnataka have MPs with assets worth more than ₹100 crore. These wealthy lawmakers raise questions about the accessibility of politics to individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Total Assets of MPs

Collectively, the total assets of 763 sitting MPs are valued at ₹29,251 crore. This substantial wealth within the legislative body highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in Indian politics.

In conclusion, the ADR and NEW report provides valuable insights into the composition of India’s sitting MPs, revealing the prevalence of criminal cases, wealth disparities, and regional variations. These findings underscore the challenges and complexities within India’s political landscape and call for greater scrutiny and reforms to ensure a more representative and accountable democracy.

Source: The Hindu