Pawan K. Verma's column: How to get rid of money power and muscle power?

We may be the world's largest democracy, but we also have the highest number of criminals in politics. The reason for this nexus of strength and mandate is a system. What is the basis of this system? First, in the absence of well-functioning institutions, even a criminal with power, money, and influence seeks political legitimacy to gain security and expand his unscrupulous empire. Second, parties need huge sums of money for electoral contests and campaigns. In such a situation, they do not hesitate to choose a 'winning' candidate instead of a 'clean' one. Third, due to the failure of the system, voters often not only tolerate such bullies, but also reward them with a mandate. A man who controls the local police, the judiciary, development contracts, is able to protect, collect weekly fees and give arbitrary profits to his subordinates, is often more influential to the public than an honest representative. In such a situation, the 'Dabangg' leader is not just a villain, but plays a role like a modern Robin Hood in a system of scarcity of options. There is also a fourth reason, legal and institutional deficiencies. Sluggish courts, weak trials, easy bails, political pressure on the police and lack of accountability perpetuate this nexus. This system criminalizes politics. Examples of Bahubali are everywhere. In Bihar, the JD(U) has fielded Anant Singh from Mokama, who has recently been arrested in a murder case. Despite being a notorious history-sheeter, he was given a ticket. In front of him is the wife of Surajbhan Singh, who is serving a life sentence in a murder case. Despite his illness, Lalu Prasad himself campaigned for Ritalal Yadav, who is also a well-known strongman. Other well-known criminal leaders include Munna Shukla, Pradeep Mahto and Anand Mohan. Anand has even dared to kill Gopalganj DM G. Krishnaiah. Mafia Mukhtar Ansari in UP also had dozens of serious cases registered against him, but he was elected MLA several times. According to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), about 40% of MPs declared themselves to have criminal cases against them. Of these, 25% are for murder, kidnapping, crimes against women. What can be done to eradicate this soot from democracy? The law has to ensure that if charges are framed against a candidate in a serious criminal case, he is disqualified from contesting elections. Speedy trial and conviction of cases are necessary, but till then the criteria for candidature should be high. People with serious allegations should not be given tickets. Transparency and limitation are also necessary in the funding of election campaigns. Criminals also come into politics because they will create benami property. In addition, independent prosecution and fast track courts are a must for political crimes. Civic organizations and the media should demand accountability. Voters will also have to understand that even if the strongmen give some time protection, they will weaken both the law and development. Voter awareness is a must for unblemished candidates. Ultimately, since the criminalisation of politics thrives on the basis of social inequality, caste mobilization, poverty and weak institutions, inclusive growth and predictable governance can undermine the politics of money power and muscle power. Until this happens, the perpetrators will continue to seek shelter for themselves in white kurtas. It is a vicious circle in which parties choose candidates, voters elect them, law enforcers allow them to roam freely and society tolerates them. Then extortion, illegal funding, smuggling, land grabbing and mining mafia – all become legitimate. India cannot be such a democracy! Only voters can ensure a more moral democracy in the country today. They should say in one voice – enough, enough is enough, we will not vote for musclemen and criminals. The country is waiting for this revolution today. (These are the author's own views)