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Criminal politicians linked to rising crime, economic decline in India, study finds
Prakash's research also found a disturbing link between criminal politicians and crimes against women, with an increase of 12.6 percent in states with more criminally accused representatives.
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A new study led by a researcher at Northeastern University has revealed a direct correlation between the rising number of criminal politicians and an increase in crime across India, particularly in states with weaker institutional frameworks.
The study highlights that states like Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh, are disproportionately affected with crime rates surging alongside the criminal backgrounds of elected officials.
Nishith Prakash, a professor of public policy and economics at Northeastern University, led the study, which was published in the Journal of Law, Economics, and Organization. Prakash and his co-authors found that states with a higher proportion of politicians facing serious criminal charges—such as murder or kidnapping—witnessed a notable 5.8 percent annual increase in crime.
"Criminality breeds crime," Prakash said. "When you look at states with weaker institutions, these politicians have actually increased crime rates, particularly in cases involving serious accusations."
The problem is particularly acute in states like Bihar, where political leaders such as Pappu Yadav have long been embroiled in criminal cases. Yadav, a member of India’s Parliament for almost 25 years, has 41 criminal cases pending against him, including a conviction for murder in 2008—though he was later acquitted.
Similarly, Anant Singh, a four-time elected member of the legislative assembly from Bihar, faces charges of multiple murders, kidnappings, and other violent crimes.
The study also explores the historical context of this issue, citing figures like Lalu Prasad Yadav, former Chief Minister of Bihar, whose regime in the 1980s and 1990s was dubbed "jungle raj" due to rampant kidnappings for ransom.
The deteriorating law and order situation led to widespread fear, forcing many professionals, including doctors, to flee the state.
Since a landmark 2003 ruling by the Supreme Court of India, politicians are required to disclose any criminal cases against them, including accusations and indictments. However, the research indicates that the rise in criminally accused politicians has not abated. In some states, nearly 40 percent of elected representatives have faced serious accusations.
Prakash's research also found a disturbing link between criminal politicians and crimes against women, with an increase of 12.6 percent in states with more criminally accused representatives. This has further contributed to a decline in women's participation in the labor force by 10-11 percent.
"In areas with high crime rates, particularly against women, we observe a direct impact on female labor force participation," Prakash said. "Women do not feel safe, and they are less likely to work outside the home, which negatively impacts the economy."
The economic consequences of criminal politicians extend beyond gender-related issues. The study found that regions with a higher proportion of criminal politicians experienced a reduction in economic growth by as much as 6.5 percent annually, emphasizing the profound effect these figures have on governance and development.
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