New delhi, September 12, 2025 – Over 21% of sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of Legislative Assemblies (MLAs), and Members of Legislative Councils (MLCs) in India hail from dynastic political backgrounds, according to a new analysis released today by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The report underscores the persistent influence of political families in India’s electoral landscape, raising questions about equitable portrayal and democratic access.
The ADR’s study, encompassing a total of 5,204 elected representatives across State Assemblies, the Lok Sabha, the rajya sabha, and State Legislative Councils, identified 1,107 individuals with familial ties to politicians. The Lok Sabha exhibits the highest concentration of dynastic representation at 31%,while State Assemblies have the lowest at 20%. Legislative Councils fall somewhere in between, contributing to the overall 21% figure.
Regionally, the prevalence of dynastic politics varies substantially. Uttar Pradesh leads in North India with 23% of its analyzed legislators from dynastic backgrounds, followed by Rajasthan at 18%. In the South, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka report the highest rates at 34% and 29% respectively. Eastern and Northeastern India show varying levels, with Bihar at 27% and Assam at 9%.
In terms of absolute numbers, Uttar Pradesh has the highest count with 141 (23%) of its 604 MPs, MLAs, and MLCs linked to political families. Maharashtra follows closely with 129 (32%) out of 403,while Bihar and Karnataka have 96 (27%) out of 360 and 94 (29%) out of 326 respectively. Andhra Pradesh demonstrates the highest proportional representation, with 86 (34%) of its 255 sitting mps, MLAs, and MLCs originating from political families.
“These figures highlight the continued and widespread prevalence of dynastic politics, particularly in politically meaningful States,” the ADR stated in a press release accompanying the report. The organization’s findings contribute to an ongoing debate about the need for greater transparency and reforms to promote a more level playing field in Indian elections.