A supporter of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) waves the party flag during a campaign rally addressed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on May 8. Analysts say political parties turn to them because they often have the deepest pockets in steadily costlier elections, and that some local strongmen are seen as having the best chance of winning. Among the smaller parties, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has an even higher proportion, with 58% of its candidates embroiled in criminal cases. “It was all politically motivated.”Dean Kuriakose from the Congress party has 204 criminal cases against him, the second highest. Political analysts say that often people vote for candidates who face criminal charges because they are seen as best placed to deliver results.

Source: Bangkok Post May 18, 2019 11:03 UTC