12% of sitting Rajya Sabha members are billionaires: Report

• Image Credit: Google

• Aug 18, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Association for Democratic Reforms reveals startling statistics about financial and criminal backgrounds of Rajya Sabha...

Digital Desk: In a recent analysis conducted by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and the National Election Watch (NEW), it has been revealed that approximately 12 percent of the sitting Members of Parliament (MPs) in the Rajya Sabha are billionaires. The analysis also highlighted the regions with the highest percentage of such wealthy parliamentarians, with Andhra Pradesh and Telangana leading the list.

The ADR and NEW undertook an in-depth assessment of the criminal, financial, and other background details of 225 out of the total 233 Rajya Sabha MPs. This thorough scrutiny aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the composition of the current Rajya Sabha. One seat in the Rajya Sabha currently remains vacant.

Regional Disparities and Wealth Accumulation

The report sheds light on the significant regional disparities when it comes to the financial status of MPs. Andhra Pradesh and Telangana emerged as the regions with the highest percentage of billionaire parliamentarians. Out of the 11 MPs from Andhra Pradesh, 5 (45 percent) possess assets valued at more than ₹100 crore. Similarly, 3 (43 percent) out of the 7 MPs from Telangana boast similar substantial wealth.

Other regions with notable percentages of billionaire MPs include Maharashtra, where 3 (16 percent) out of the 19 MPs hold assets worth more than Rs 100 crore. Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh also have a significant number of MPs with assets surpassing the ₹100 crore threshold.

Criminal cases and serious offenses

The analysis also unveiled the presence of criminal cases among the sitting MPs of the Rajya Sabha. Shockingly, 33 percent (75 MPs) of the MPs analyzed have declared criminal cases against themselves. Out of these, 41 MPs (18 percent) have serious criminal cases pending against them.

Even more alarming, two Rajya Sabha members have declared cases related to murder (IPC Section 302), indicating a concerning trend of serious criminal involvement among lawmakers.

Crimes against Women

The report did not shy away from exposing cases related to crimes against women among the MPs. Four Rajya Sabha members have declared cases connected to such offenses. Of particular concern is the case of Congress' K C Venugopal from Rajasthan, who declared a case related to rape (IPC Section 376).

The analysis also offered insights into the distribution of criminal cases across political parties. Approximately 27 percent of the Rajya Sabha MPs from the BJP, 40 percent from Congress, 31 percent from AITC, 83 percent from RJD, 80 percent from CPI (M), 30 percent from AAP, 33 percent from YSRCP, and 67 percent from the NCP have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

The findings from this analysis underscore the need for public discourse and awareness regarding the financial and criminal backgrounds of elected representatives. As these individuals shape legislation and policies that impact the nation, understanding their sources of wealth and any pending criminal charges becomes imperative for ensuring transparent and accountable governance.

The ADR and NEW's meticulous examination of Rajya Sabha MPs sends a strong message that both voters and the wider public must engage critically with the composition and actions of their elected representatives. This analysis serves as a call for reflection on the state of the nation's political landscape, urging greater integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct among those in positions of power.