In a startling revelation on the state of governance in Madhya Pradesh, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has disclosed that 12 out of 31 ministers in the state cabinet are facing criminal cases. Of these, three ministers are battling serious charges, including attempt to murder, fraud, and outraging women’s modesty, while the remaining nine are booked under relatively minor sections.
The findings are part of ADR’s nationwide analysis of affidavits submitted by ministers across 27 states, three Union Territories, and the Union government. In total, affidavits of 643 ministers were examined, including those of Madhya Pradesh ministers who contested the 2023 Assembly elections. ADR has clarified that the data is based on sworn affidavits and that the status of certain cases may have changed since then.
High-profile leaders among the accused
One of the most prominent names in the ADR report is Kailash Vijayvargiya, senior BJP leader and cabinet minister. Vijayvargiya has five criminal cases registered against him in West Bengal, spread across courts in South Dinajpur, West Midnapore, Hooghly, Malda, and North Dinajpur districts.
The charges include six serious IPC sections and 14 other violations, ranging from provocative speeches and communal incitement to unlawful assembly and outraging women’s modesty. For instance, he has been charged under IPC sections 153A (promoting enmity between groups), 295A (deliberate acts to outrage religious feelings), 509 (insulting modesty of women), and 505(1)(b) (statements conducing to public mischief).
Despite the gravity of these accusations, Vijayvargiya has neither faced trial leading to conviction nor seen charges formally framed in most cases. No appeals have been filed either, leaving the cases in prolonged pendency.
Education Minister Inder Singh Parmar: Attempt to murder conviction
Another senior cabinet member, Inder Singh Parmar, MLA from Shujalpur and currently Education Minister, faces an even more serious past. Parmar was charged with attempt to murder (IPC 307), rioting with deadly weapons (148), and abetment (109).
In 2001, an Additional Sessions Court in Shujalpur convicted Parmar, sentencing him to five years’ rigorous imprisonment under IPC 307/149 and one year under IPC 148, along with a fine of Rs 1,500. However, following a criminal appeal in 2008, the Indore High Court bench reduced his sentence to 85 days of imprisonment and a Rs 1,500 fine.
In addition, Parmar was fined in 1987 under IPC 323 for voluntarily causing hurt. Though the punishment was minor, the presence of multiple cases adds to his controversial record.
Fraud and forgery charges against Kotma MLA Dilip Jaiswal
Another serious case involves BJP MLA Dilip Jaiswal from Kotma constituency. ADR notes that Jaiswal has one criminal case pending in the MP/MLA Special Court, Jabalpur, but the charges are severe.
He faces allegations under IPC 420 (cheating), 467/468/471 (forgery), 409 (criminal breach of trust by a public servant), and 413 (habitual dealing in stolen property). The charges suggest involvement in financial irregularities and fraudulent property dealings. The case is still under trial, with no charges formally framed so far.
Ministers facing minor but notable offences
While some ministers face charges of serious criminal conduct, others are accused of relatively minor offences:
Uday Pratap Singh (Higher Education Minister) – Accused under IPC 188 for violating lawful orders. Case pending in Jabalpur court.
Nagar Singh Chauhan (Ali Rajpur MLA) – Case registered in Gujarat under the Motor Vehicle Act (drunk driving) and Prohibition Act.
Lakhan Singh Patel (Pathariya MLA) – Accused under IPC 294 (obscene acts) and IPC 34 (common intention) in a case pending in Jabalpur.
Pradhuman Singh Tomar (Energy Minister) – Two cases in Gwalior for provoking people, violating prohibitory orders, and negligence during the pandemic under IPC 269.
Tulsi Silawat (Sanwer MLA) – One case under IPC 188 for violating orders; charges already framed in Indore court.
Narayan Singh Panwar (Byawara MLA) – Booked for rioting (147), unlawful restraint (341), and violation of orders (188).
Dilip Ahirwar (Chandla MLA) – Three past cases, including assault (323) and gambling; all disposed of with fines between ₹100 and ₹1,000.
Gautam Tetwal (Sarangpur MLA) – Accused of rioting and unlawful restraint; case pending in Bhopal court.
Govind Singh Rajput (Surkhi MLA) – Two cases under IPC 188 and the Representation of People’s Act, related to violation of government orders.
Political and ethical concerns
The ADR report has reignited the debate on criminalization of politics in Madhya Pradesh. With nearly 40% of cabinet ministers facing cases, questions are being raised about political accountability, transparency, and ethical governance.
Legal experts point out that while not all cases necessarily indicate guilt—since some may be politically motivated—the presence of convictions and serious charges like attempt to murder and large-scale fraud cannot be dismissed lightly.
Political analysts note that the issue is particularly sensitive as Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav seeks to consolidate his government following the 2023 elections. The image of a clean and decisive administration may be undermined by ministers entangled in court battles.
ADR’s call for reforms
ADR has long advocated for reforms to address the rising trend of candidates with criminal backgrounds entering legislatures. The organization suggests barring individuals facing serious charges from contesting elections until their cases are resolved, or at least mandating fast-track trials for such politicians.
In its statement, ADR emphasized that “the criminalization of politics poses the greatest threat to Indian democracy. Unless addressed through strong legal measures and political will, governance will continue to suffer.”
The revelations come as a reminder that governance and criminal records remain uncomfortably intertwined in Madhya Pradesh politics. While some ministers face only minor charges such as violating prohibitory orders, others, including senior leaders, carry the baggage of serious allegations like attempt to murder, communal incitement, and financial fraud.
As the debate intensifies, civil society groups are urging the state government to take a firm stand on accountability. Whether the issue results in meaningful reform or fades as another statistical disclosure remains to be seen.