New Delhi, June 8, 2024 —A recent report from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has revealed that 46 percent of the newly elected members in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India are facing criminal charges. This amounts to 251 MPs, with serious criminal cases lodged against 170 of them.

The report, published on Thursday by ADR, highlights an increasing trend in the number of elected officials with criminal backgrounds over the years. The data shows a significant rise in such cases compared to previous elections:

2024: 251 MPs (46%)

2019: 233 MPs (43%)

2014: 185 MPs (34%)

2009: 162 MPs (30%)

2004: 125 MPs (23%)

The analysis indicates a 55 percent increase in MPs with declared criminal cases since 2009. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has the highest number of winners with criminal cases, with 94 out of their 240 elected members facing charges. The Congress party follows with 21 out of 99 winners having criminal cases against them.

Notably, four elected MPs are facing murder charges, while 27 have attempted murder cases against them. 

This rising trend of MPs with criminal backgrounds raises concerns about the quality and integrity of elected representatives in the world's largest democracy. The report underscores the need for electoral reforms to address this issue and ensure a cleaner political environment in India.