Top 5 Indian States That Elect the Most Bahubalis in Elections

India’s democracy is vibrant and diverse, but one disturbing trend that has persisted over decades is the increasing criminalization of politics. Many elected representatives, popularly known as bahubalis, have criminal backgrounds ranging from violent crimes to serious offenses such as murder and extortion. This nexus of crime and politics often influences governance, law enforcement, and development. According to the latest data from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), certain states in India continue to see a disproportionately high number of bahubalis winning elections. Here is an in-depth look at the top 5 such states.

1. Bihar

Bihar tops the list for electing the highest percentage of bahubalis in legislative elections. The 2020 Bihar Assembly elections revealed a startling figure—about 68% of the winning candidates had declared criminal cases against themselves, with over half facing serious charges such as murder, attempt to murder, and crimes against women.

This trend is deeply intertwined with Bihar’s caste dynamics, where strongmen from dominant communities wield significant influence. Politicians with muscle power often use fear and patronage to secure votes. The law and order situation in many parts of Bihar remains complicated due to these entrenched criminal networks.

Bihar’s history of strongmen politics can be traced back to the 1990s, where caste-based militias and gangs evolved into political forces. Despite growing awareness and legal reforms, the political culture still favors bahubali candidates who promise protection and assert dominance in their regions.

2. Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh (UP), India’s most populous state, consistently elects a large number of legislators with criminal backgrounds. According to the ADR report for the 2022 Assembly elections, around 40-45% of elected MLAs had pending criminal cases, and nearly 25% were facing serious charges.

UP’s political landscape has been traditionally influenced by caste loyalties and muscle power, especially in rural and semi-urban constituencies. Bahubali politicians often come from OBC and backward caste communities, with some having roots in organized crime.

The state’s high-profile gangsters-turned-politicians, often referred to in media as “bahubalis,” have played a prominent role in shaping local power equations. The intertwining of crime, caste, and politics affects governance, judicial processes, and public trust.

3. Jharkhand

In Jharkhand, the tribal and rural population often finds itself caught between competing bahubali factions. The state has witnessed a rise in politicians with criminal antecedents, partly due to its challenging terrain and less effective law enforcement mechanisms.

ADR data shows that over 30-35% of MLAs elected in recent Jharkhand Assembly polls have declared criminal cases. The nature of crimes ranges from land grabbing and extortion to violent offenses.

Jharkhand’s political scene features several strongmen who command loyalty through both fear and social support, often exploiting tribal and caste divisions. Their influence affects not only local politics but also the security situation, with periodic violence reported during elections.

4. Madhya Pradesh

Madhya Pradesh (MP) is another state with a notable presence of bahubali politicians in its Legislative Assembly. Reports indicate that approximately 25-30% of elected MLAs have criminal cases against them, with a significant portion involved in serious crimes.

The state’s political culture, especially in rural areas, supports candidates with strong local influence. Many of these politicians operate in areas where poverty, lack of education, and weak law enforcement create a fertile ground for muscle power politics.

MP’s history of crime-politics nexus includes politicians accused of violent offenses, which sometimes escalate into caste or community conflicts.

5. Rajasthan

Rajasthan rounds out the top five states where bahubalis continue to secure electoral victories. In recent elections, about 20-25% of winning candidates declared criminal cases, including serious charges such as murder and attempt to murder.

The desert state’s social fabric, marked by caste hierarchies and rural vulnerabilities, facilitates the rise of bahubalis in politics. Strong local leaders with criminal backgrounds often emerge as protectors or enforcers for their communities, leveraging that support during elections.

While Rajasthan has seen some efforts at political reforms, the persistence of muscle power politics is a challenge for democracy and development in the state.

Why Do Bahubalis Get Elected?

Several reasons contribute to the electoral success of bahubalis:

  • Muscle Power and Fear: In many rural and semi-urban areas, bahubalis use intimidation and violence to influence voters.
  • Patronage Networks: They often provide quick solutions, protection, and favors to local people, gaining loyalty.
  • Caste and Community Support: Bahubalis usually belong to dominant castes or communities, which form voting blocs.
  • Weak Law Enforcement: Slow judicial processes and ineffective policing mean many criminals remain active in politics.
  • Political Parties’ Calculus: Parties often field candidates with criminal backgrounds because they are perceived as ‘winnable’ and can deliver votes.

Legal and Political Efforts to Curb Bahubali Politics

The Supreme Court of India and Election Commission have repeatedly warned and tried to curb criminalization in politics. Measures include:

  • Disclosure of criminal records by candidates.
  • Fast-tracking cases involving politicians.
  • Debarring candidates convicted of serious crimes.

Despite these efforts, enforcement gaps and political will remain challenges.

Conclusion

The criminalization of politics remains a significant hurdle in India’s democratic journey. States like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan continue to elect a substantial number of bahubalis due to complex social, economic, and political factors. Tackling this problem requires concerted efforts from civil society, judiciary, political parties, and voters themselves to prioritize clean governance over muscle power.

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