NEW DELHI: In the second phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, 251(16%) out of 1,590 candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves while 167(11%) have declared serious criminal cases against themselves, according to a report by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

Among the major parties, 16 (31%) out of 51 candidates from BJP, 23 (43%) out of 53 candidates from INC, 16 (20%) out of 80 candidates from BSP, 3 (14%) out of 22 candidates analysed from AIADMK, 11(46%) out of 24 candidates from DMK and 4 (36%) out of 11 candidates from Shiv Sena have declared criminal cases against themselves. 

The National Election Watch and ADR have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of 1,590 out of 1,644 candidates, who are contesting in the Lok Sabha Phase II. Out of all 1,590 candidates analysed, 209 are from national parties, 107 are from state parties, 386 are from registered unrecognized parties and 888 candidates are contesting independently.

Ten (20%) out of 51 candidates from BJP, 17 (32%) out of 53 candidates from INC, 10 (13%) out of 80 candidates from BSP, 3 (14%) out of 22 candidates analysed from AIADMK, 7 (29%) out of 24 candidates from DMK and 1 (9%) out of 11 candidates from Shiv Sena have declared serious criminal cases against themselves

In the second phase, 41 out of 97 constituencies are red alert constituencies. These are those constituencies where three or more contesting candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves.

In other details, 697 (44%) candidates have declared their educational qualification to be between 5th and 12th while 756 (48%) candidates have declared having an educational qualification of graduate or above. 35 candidates have declared to be just literate and 26 candidates are illiterate. 525 (33%) candidates have declared their age to be between 25 and 40 years while 805 (51%) candidates have declared their age to be between 41 and 60 years. There are 246 (15%) candidates who have declared their age to be between 61 and 80 years. Seven candidates have declared their age to be above 80 years. Six candidates have not given their age. One has declared his age to be 24 years. 120 (8%) female candidates are contesting in the Lok Sabha Phase II elections