Crime and politics: The nexus runs deep

Politicians and rowdies do not make strange bedfellows, and the long history of political linkups with antisocial characters is enough to prove this. Just weeks after a rowdy-sheeter in Bengaluru was seen in the company of politicians at a blood donation camp, visuals have emerged of another notorious figure in the company of senior politicians including ministers. The CM has subsequently ordered a detailed probe to unearth the truth behind the episode, but is there anything surprising about talk of the nexus between our leaders and criminal elements we so much dread?

Where there are politicians contesting elections, rowdies can hardly be far behind and a peek at any election anywhere in India is enough to prove this mutually beneficial tie-up. When the usual candidates spring up at your doorstep with the usual set of promises that will as usual remain unfulfilled till the next election, voters often feel no reason to set aside a day in their busy routine to make the trip to the polling booth where they have to stand in long queues before exercising their franchise.

So muscled men are needed to make sure voters, especially those in slums and colonies, shed their indecision and exercise their franchise for the ‘right choice’, whoever it may be. And they are rewarded amply by their political ‘mentors’ who know that their help will never be far off when they are in dire need of it. Everything from the holding of an election meeting to warding off the challenge from rivals in the arena is inevitably accompanied by strong-arm tactics and the common man, who would be at the mercy of these strongmen once the polls are over, has little choice but to give in meekly and follow the diktats.

Money and muscle power continue to be at the heart of every electoral battle and a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) will go a long way in proving this. The report for instance says that 59 of the 220 candidates the Congress party fielded in the 2018 Assembly elections and as many as 83 of the 220 candidates the BJP fielded in the same election, faced criminal cases.

The JD(S) was not to be left behind with as many as 44 of the 199 candidates Deve Gowda’s party fielded having criminal backgrounds. As the state approaches another polling date, the intricate mesh of politics, rowdies and illegal cash flow is sure to get stronger if not louder, which will call for stronger and more targeted measures by the Election Commission to plug ‘loopholes’ if one may use the term. There are some who justify attempts to allow such elements to be part of the electoral process saying everyone should be given a chance to reform.

But can’t we have candidates with impeccable credentials who are committed to the social cause and the development of the constituency they are so eager to represent in the Assembly? There are many who would be more than willing to throw their hat in the ring with the needed support and encouragement from political leaders with sagacity who see the need for more clean and dynamic leaders in politics.

But for that, we will have to usher in a trend of accepting only leaders who can sway us with their dedication to the public cause and nothing else and also make sure we look the other way when allurements are offered. It’s finally in the hands of the voter to make or break the nexus of politics and crime by taking a resolute decision to back the right candidate and the coming polls is the opportune time to make that fresh start.