New Delhi: The major political parties contesting the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections have been exchanging serious allegations regarding leaders with criminal backgrounds. As the final candidate selection process unfolds, including ticket distribution, confidential and public reports are being reviewed, making it a crucial “trial by fire” for all par ties.
Currently, 49 per cent of Bihar’s MLAs face serious criminal allegations. Out of 243 MLAs, nearly 160 have criminal cases registered against them, including 123 charged with serious crimes. Among these, 19 MLAs are accused of murder, and 31 face charges of attempted murder. These cases are still under judicial consideration.
In terms of criminal back grounds, 54 out of 74 MLAs (73%) from Lalu Yadav’s Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) face cases, while 47 out of 73 MLAs (64%) from the BJP have criminal charges. The Janata Dal (United) (JDU) has 20 out of 43 MLAs (46%) with cases, and the Congress Party has 18 out of 19 MLAs (94%) with criminal records.
The key question remains: how many candidates get tickets despite pending court hearings, driven by the lure of victory? Voters want to prioritize stringent action against crime and accelerated development over procedural issues like voter lists and voting machines.
An analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) states that political parties prioritize winnability over honesty, often fielding candidates with criminal backgrounds due to their financial resources and local influence. This presence undermines democratic institutions and erodes public trust. Low voter turnout in constituencies dominated by criminal MLAs signals public disillusionment.
Criminal legislators tend to prioritize private interests over public welfare, stalling reforms and delaying criminal justice improvements. The dominance of criminals in power promotes a culture of impunity, increasing crime and corruption. Honest individuals find it difficult to enter politics due to the dominance of money and muscle power.
The Second Administrative Reforms Commission recommended strict disqualification rules for candidates facing serious criminal charges, especially for heinous crimes like murder and rape, to prevent them from contesting elections. The Supreme Court supported this in a 2014 ruling, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also highlighted this need. However, adequate measures have yet to be implemented by the government and judiciary.
Personal experiences witnessing crime-Politics nexus in Bihar
During my tenure as editor of Navbharat Times in Bihar from 1988 to 1991, I witnessed the dominance of criminal elements in politics and published several revealing reports. We even faced threats from such leaders or their associates.
One notable case involved Ranveer Yadav, an MLA jailed on murder charges in Munger. Our senior correspondent Divakarji personally visited the Khagaria jail near Munger to report on him. Despite being an accused, Ranveer Yadav displayed arrogance, sitting comfortably in the jailer’s chair and happily talking to our journalists while photo graphs were taken. This story and photos were prominently published on the front page.
In June 1992, I wrote about an incident involving the Bihar Education Department’s director, who came to our office distressed. She narrated how an MLA insulted her for not standing up upon his arrival, despite not knowing him. The MLA handed her a recommendation letter demanding immediate action. When she asked for proper departmental verification, the MLA verbally abused her on the street. Though the matter reached the Chief Minister, the MLA faced no consequences.
Another incident involved an IAS officer who was physically assaulted by a local strongman for refusing to admit the latter’s relative into a medical college. In 1991, during Lalu Prasad Yadav’s rule, the ten-year-old daughter of a judge in Gaya was kidnapped, with names of RJD affiliated strongmen involved. Lawyers protested, but no police action was taken against the leaders.
Time To stop criminals from contesting elections
While the situation in Bihar may have improved compared to earlier decades, it remains critical to prevent candidates with criminal backgrounds from contesting elections and entering power. Only then can democracy regain the trust of the people and focus on genuine development and law enforcement.
