Data collected by the Forum for Good Governance through RTI Act reveals that every third legislator in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh has a criminal record. Out of 119 MLAs in Telangana, 39 have criminal charges on them and in Andhra Pradesh, 60 MLAs out of 175.
In Telangana, the ruling party leads with highest number of tainted legislators – TRS (22), Congress and Majlis (5 each), Telugu Desam (4) and BJP (3). And in respect of MPs, one each from TRS, BJP and Majlis are facing charges. A lone MLC belonging to the ruling TRS has cases against him.
In Andhra Pradesh, the numbers are no different. The ruling party also have the largest number of 35 MLAs facing charges followed by YSRC (23), BJP and Independent one each. While we look at the MPs, the Telugu Desam and YSRC have four members each involved. In addition, two MLCs of Telugu Desam are facing charges. Supreme Court directs that the cases against public representatives should be disposed of within a year but in the case of AP and Telangana the cases are pending for years.
Interestingly, YSRC head Y.S. Jagan who is facing a dozen cases of quid pro quo in CBI courts didn’t find a place in the Forum list for AP. As most agree, “If such investigations are held on all politicians , more similar Quid pro quo cases will see light,” a senior journalist commented.
