The dark side of the world's biggest democracy

Reuters
Published: May 01, 2009, 22:51

New Delhi:  One is facing a murder charge, another has been arrested for abduction, while a third is fighting a robbery case. Welcome to India's general election, where nearly a fifth of the 5,500 candidates face criminal charges.

The Indian Constitution allows politicians facing criminal cases to contest polls, and critics say mafia dons and corrupt regional bosses are using their money and power to garner votes.

Fear and reverence for politicians facing criminal charges play heavily in the minds of voters in India.

These candidates sometimes control large areas where state facilities are lacking. In some places, they play the role of "Robin Hood", fixing low charges for services such as doctors' fees.

Experts say it reflects how corruption and politics have co-existed in India for decades.

The dark side of the world's biggest democracy

Reuters
Published: May 01, 2009, 22:51

"Criminals see this as a business opportunity to make money and gain a foothold in politics, while parties depend on them to win elections," said Himanshu Jha, coordinator of Social Watch India, a rights organisation.

A famous conversation that media mogul Rupert Murdoch had with the late Dhirubhai Ambani, then one of India's biggest businessmen, illustrates the bond between politics and crime in India as reported in the book In Spite of the Gods: The Rise of Modern India by Edward Luce.

Murdoch had seen the prime minister and the finance minister.

"Ah, you've met all the right people," said Ambani. "But if you want to get anywhere in India you must meet all the wrong people."