The recent Maharashtra local body elections have brought renewed attention to the issue of candidates with criminal backgrounds entering the political arena. From individuals accused in the Gauri Lankesh murder case to those with alleged ties to organized crime, the presence of such figures raises serious questions about the integrity of the democratic process and the choices made by voters.
One of the most prominent examples is Shrikant Pangarkar, an accused in the 2017 murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh, who won a seat as a corporator in the Jalna Municipal Corporation. Contesting as an independent candidate, Pangarkar secured 2,661 votes, defeating his nearest rival from the BJP. Pangarkar had previously served as a corporator on the Jalna Municipal Council from 2001 to 2006, representing the Shiv Sena. In August 2018, he was arrested by the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad under various acts, including the Explosives Act and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. He was later granted bail by the Karnataka High Court in September 2024. His victory has sparked outrage, with many questioning how an individual facing serious charges in a high-profile murder case could be elected to public office.
The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Maharashtra Election Watch have analyzed the self-sworn affidavits of winning candidates in the Maharashtra 2024 Assembly Elections. Their analysis revealed that a significant percentage of winning candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves. This includes serious criminal cases such as murder, attempt to murder, and crimes against women. Political parties have been criticized for giving tickets to candidates with criminal records, despite the Supreme Court's instructions to provide reasons for such selections. The court has mandated that parties explain why individuals without criminal antecedents could not be chosen as candidates, with justifications based on qualifications, achievements, and merit.
The issue of tainted candidates extends beyond individual cases, reflecting a broader trend in Maharashtra politics. In the 2024 Assembly elections, a substantial number of candidates from major parties had declared criminal cases against themselves. This raises concerns about the influence of money and muscle power in elections, and the extent to which voters are willing to overlook criminal backgrounds in favor of other considerations.
Several factors contribute to the continued presence of tainted candidates in Maharashtra's political landscape. These include the lack of strong internal democracy within political parties, the influence of local strongmen, and the complexities of the criminal justice system, which often leads to lengthy delays in trials and convictions. The recent local body elections, which saw the BJP emerge as the single largest party, highlight the challenges in addressing this issue. While the Mahayuti alliance of BJP, Shiv Sena, and NCP secured a significant victory, the presence of candidates with criminal backgrounds remains a cause for concern.
The election of candidates with criminal backgrounds has broader implications for governance and public trust. It can lead to compromised decision-making, increased corruption, and a decline in the quality of public services. Moreover, it can erode public faith in the democratic process and encourage cynicism among voters. Addressing this issue requires a multi-pronged approach, including electoral reforms, stricter enforcement of existing laws, and greater public awareness. Political parties need to prioritize integrity and transparency in candidate selection, while voters need to be more discerning in their choices. The rise of tainted corporators in Maharashtra serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring a clean and accountable political system.
