It was conducted by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch. 

Key finding of the analysis

• 104% rise of political parties contesting LS polls from 2009 to 2024.
• 14% candidates have declared serious criminal cases including charges related to rape, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, etc.
• 20% candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves.

Key issues

• Not following Supreme court order in full spirit: It had instructed political parties in 2020, to give reasons for selection of candidates with criminal background.
• Criminalisation of politics: Higher chances of lawbreakers to become lawmakers.
• Unchecked Growth of Registered, Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs): From 2010 to 2021, over 100% increase in RUPPs raises concerns about potential tax evasion and money laundering.
  • RUPPs are either newly-registered parties or those which have not secured enough percentage of votes in the Assembly or general election.
  • Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act) lays down requirements for registration of a political party with Election Commission of India (ECI).
  • The RP Act does not confer explicit powers to ECI  to de-register any political party for not contesting elections, holding inner-party elections, or submitting required returns.