The upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha Elections are set to witness a surge in political party participation, according to an analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The analysis indicates a significant 104% increase in the number of parties contesting from 2009 to 2024. In 2009, 368 parties participated in the elections, which has now grown to a staggering 751 parties in 2024.
The analysis also sheds light on the diverse representation of candidates, with 1,333 belonging to national parties, 532 from state parties, 2,580 from registered unrecognised parties, and 3,915 independent candidates.
The analysis further examined the prevalence of criminal cases among the candidates. Among the 1,333 national party candidates, 443 have declared criminal cases, with 295 facing serious charges. State party candidates exhibit a higher proportion, with 249 out of 532 having criminal cases and 169 facing serious charges. Registered unrecognised party candidates show comparatively lower numbers, with 401 out of 2,580 having criminal cases and 316 facing serious charges. Independent candidates fall in between, with 550 out of 3,915 facing criminal cases and 411 facing serious charges.
The analysis also reveals the financial status of the candidates, with 2,572 out of 8,337 being crorepatis or millionaires. Among national parties, 906 out of 1,333 candidates are crorepatis, followed by 421 out of 532 in state parties, 572 out of 2,580 in registered unrecognised parties, and 673 out of 3,915 among independent candidates.
