93 sitting MLAs in MP have criminal cases; 80% are crorepatis: ADR report

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• Oct 21, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Madhya Pradesh Election Watch analyzed the criminal, financial and other background details of all 230 sitting MLAs...

Digital Desk: A damning report released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Madhya Pradesh Election Watch has sent shockwaves through the state's political landscape. The report, which analyzed the criminal, financial, and other background details of all 230 sitting Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), has unveiled a startling revelation. At least 93 out of the 230 MLAs in Madhya Pradesh have criminal cases against them, with 52 from the Congress and 39 from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

The report's findings, made public on Thursday, provide a troubling insight into the state's political representation. Out of the 230 sitting MLAs analyzed, a staggering 40% are facing criminal charges, with 20% of them having declared serious criminal cases. One sitting MLA has even declared cases related to murder under IPC Section 302, while six MLAs are under investigation for attempts to murder under IPC Section 307.

What's equally concerning is the presence of cases related to crimes against women. The report reveals that sitting MLAs have declared cases under IPC Section 354. Specifically, 30% of BJP's MLAs, 54% of Congress's MLAs, the lone MLA from the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), and 33% of Independent MLAs have criminal cases against them in their affidavits.

Furthermore, the report highlights that 16% of BJP MLAs, 26% of Congress MLAs, the sole BSP MLA, and one out of three Independent MLAs have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

These findings have raised serious questions about the quality of representation in the state's legislative assembly. With the Madhya Pradesh Assembly elections scheduled for November 17, the report's release has come at a critical juncture, leaving the electorate with much to consider when they head to the polls. The counting of votes is set to take place on December 3.

Political commentators and activists have urged voters to scrutinize the criminal backgrounds of their candidates and to make informed choices in the upcoming elections. The ADR report serves as a stark reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in the country's democratic process, and it remains to be seen how these revelations will impact the political landscape in Madhya Pradesh.