In a surprising and concerning turn of events, notorious gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, currently lodged in Gujarat’s Sabarmati Central Jail, has been offered the chance to contest the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections. The offer came from a political party called Uttar Bharatiya Vikas Sena (UBVS), a registered national and state-level party, and this move has left many questioning the safety of the public and the moral compass of Indian politics. With an already well-documented criminal record, Bishnoi’s candidacy raises alarming questions: How is a convict operating from behind bars? What does this say about the political landscape? And most importantly, are we, the common citizens, safe?
Bishnoi’s Election Offer: A New Chapter in India’s Political Story
The UBVS has made headlines by sending a formal letter to Lawrence Bishnoi, requesting him to consider running in the Maharashtra assembly elections. This party, working for the rights of North Indians across Maharashtra, sees Bishnoi as a potential candidate to represent their cause. The letter, signed by UBVS National President Sunil Shukla, was sent to Sabarmati Central Jail, where Bishnoi has been incarcerated for his involvement in high-profile crimes, including extortion, murder plots, and connections to criminal activities across India and abroad.
Shukla’s letter expressed admiration for Bishnoi, comparing him to Shaheed Bhagat Singh, the revolutionary freedom fighter. He highlighted that North Indians in Maharashtra, particularly those from OBC, SC, and ST backgrounds, have been deprived of reservation benefits solely due to their ancestral origins. UBVS sees Bishnoi as a symbol of this injustice and a potential leader to rally behind, despite his extensive criminal record. In his letter, Shukla mentioned that four North Indian candidates have already been finalized to contest elections in Mumbai. If Bishnoi agrees to run, a list of 50 additional candidates will soon be announced.
This move is not only shocking but also indicative of how political parties in India sometimes select candidates. Bishnoi, who has been linked to high-profile crimes, including the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala and threats against Bollywood actor Salman Khan, represents a troubling trend in Indian politics where criminals and convicts are being considered for public office.
The Criminal Influence in Indian Politics: Bishnoi’s Case
Lawrence Bishnoi’s criminal background is far from a secret. Despite being behind bars, he continues to wield considerable influence over his criminal network, reportedly involved in extortion and contract killings. His gang’s reach extends from Punjab to Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and beyond, operating with seemingly little interruption from law enforcement. The case of Sidhu Moosewala’s murder shocked the nation, and threats to Bollywood stars, such as Salman Khan, have only added to Bishnoi’s notorious reputation.
In a recent case, a gang member linked to Bishnoi sent a chilling message to Salman Khan, demanding Rs 5 crore to settle their long-standing feud. The message ominously warned Khan that if the ransom was not paid, his fate would be worse than Baba Siddiqui’s. This shows the brazenness with which the Bishnoi gang operates, even while its leader remains behind bars. The question that naturally follows is: How can someone like Bishnoi, with such a violent and dangerous criminal history, be allowed to even consider contesting elections?
This situation also raises serious concerns about public safety. Bishnoi’s potential candidacy underscores a larger issue—what does it say about the integrity of our political system when convicted criminals are being offered a platform to run for office? Are citizens truly safe when individuals with extensive criminal records are being put forth as candidates to lead them? The lines between politics and crime seem increasingly blurred, and this only heightens the sense of insecurity among ordinary citizens.
UBVS and Its Choice of Bishnoi: What Does This Say About Political Norms?
The Uttar Bharatiya Vikas Sena’s offer to Bishnoi paints a disturbing picture of the current political environment in India. Established to fight for the rights of North Indians in Maharashtra, UBVS has been vocal about the discrimination faced by OBCs, SCs, and STs from North Indian backgrounds. However, by aligning themselves with a notorious criminal like Lawrence Bishnoi, the party seems to be prioritizing notoriety and influence over moral integrity.
One of the most troubling aspects of this case is that a political party is actively seeking out a convict to represent them. This is not the first time India has seen criminals or those with criminal cases contesting elections. In fact, data from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) indicates that nearly 43% of Members of Parliament (MPs) elected in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections have pending criminal cases against them, with many accused of serious crimes such as murder, rape, and extortion. This trend speaks volumes about the state of Indian politics today.
The fact that the UBVS is willing to endorse someone like Bishnoi highlights a serious flaw in our political system’s ability to screen and reject candidates with criminal backgrounds. While it is true that every individual has the right to contest elections, should we not be more stringent when it comes to allowing those who have committed grave offenses to hold public office? The moral degradation this represents is alarming, and it brings into question whether the safety and well-being of the public are even a priority anymore.
Where Is Indian Politics Heading? Is the Common Man Even Safe?
With criminals increasingly being given platforms to rise to power, one has to wonder where Indian politics is heading. Are we, as voters, being led by people who have our best interests at heart, or are we becoming pawns in a larger game of influence and power? The common man, who entrusts political leaders with his safety, security, and future, may very well be voting for individuals who do not have their welfare in mind.
The Bishnoi case serves as a wake-up call. Political parties must take a long, hard look at the candidates they put forward, and the public must be vigilant about who they vote for. In a democracy, the power lies in the hands of the people, but when that power is given to individuals with criminal backgrounds, it is the safety of society at large that is at risk.
While Lawrence Bishnoi may have been offered a chance to contest the Maharashtra elections, the larger question remains: Are we safe? As citizens, we must demand better from our political leaders and ensure that those who represent us are worthy of that responsibility. The rise of criminals in politics must be checked before it spirals out of control, endangering not just the integrity of our political system but the lives of the common people.
This incident leaves us with a critical reflection on the current state of India’s democracy. Bishnoi’s candidacy is a clear warning sign that crime and politics are becoming dangerously intertwined, and it’s high time we, as a nation, put an end to this trend before it’s too late.