Beyond Institutional Explanations: Voter Bifurcation And The Criminalisation Of Politics In India
- IJLLR Journal
- Apr 21
- 1 min read
Shreelesh Kamerkar, KES’ Shri Jayantilal H. Patel Law College, Mumbai
ABSTRACT
This research article studies the criminalisation of politics from a socio- philosophical lens, arguing that its persistence in democratic systems cannot be explained solely by institutional weaknesses or legal shortcomings. While much of the existing research focuses on political actors and regulatory frameworks, this study shifts attention to the role of society, particularly the electorate in shaping such outcomes. The analysis is situated in the context of Indian electoral politics. In doing so, it introduces the concept of voter bifurcation to understand how different groups of voters—motivated by rational choice, social pressures, and identity-based affiliations— collectively sustain the legitimacy of candidates with criminal backgrounds. The research emphasises the diverse nature of voter behaviour and argues against the assumption of a uniform democratic will, suggesting instead that electoral outcomes are shaped by overlapping social influences. It further argues that the criminalisation of politics is not merely imposed on the electorate but is also reinforced through democratic participation itself. Consequently, the issue cannot be addressed through legal reforms alone but requires deeper analytical engagement with the social attitudes and electoral practices that allow such trends to persist, raising critical questions about accountability, representation, and the ethical foundations of democracy.
Keywords: Criminalisation of Politics, Voter Behaviour, Voter Bifurcation, Democratic Participation, Electoral Politics in India, Political Representation.
