Nearly one-fifth of Lok Sabha candidates in third phase face criminal cases

Eighteen percent – 244 out of 1,352 – of the candidates contesting in the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections have criminal cases against them, the non-governmental organisation Association for Democratic Reforms said. (Photo/Agencies)

Affidavits of 1,352 candidates scrutinized for third phase polls

The self-sworn affidavits of 1,352 candidates, who are contesting in 95 constituencies spread across 12 states, were scrutinized by the organization. These candidates are participating in the upcoming third phase of the polls, scheduled to take place on May 7. (Photo/Agencies)

172 third phase candidates accused in serious criminal cases

The examination revealed that 172 individuals vying for office are facing grave criminal charges that carry a potential sentence of at least five years in prison. (Photo/Agencies)

5 candidates face murder charges, 24 attempt to murder

Of the 244 candidates with criminal cases, five have murder charges against them and 24 have declared cases related to attempt to murder. (Illustration/Agencies)

17 candidates declared cases of hate speech

Of the total, 17 candidates have said they have cases relating to hate speech against them. (Illustration/Agencies)

38 candidates accused in crimes against women, 2 in rape cases

A total of 38 candidates have been accused in cases related to crimes against women and two of them are accused in cases related to rape. (Illustration/Agencies)

22 BJP, 26 Congress candidates declare criminal cases

Among the major parties, 22 of the 82 candidates from the Bharatiya Janata Party and 26 of the Congress’ 68 candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves. (Photo/Agencies)

RJD: All 3 candidates; Shiv Sena (UBT): 4 out of 5 accused in criminal cases

All three candidates of the Rashtriya Janata Dal and four out of five candidates of Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) have been accused in criminal cases. Two out of three candidates of the Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) and five out of 10 candidates from the Samajwadi Party also face criminal cases, as do one out of three candidates of the Janata Dal (United) and one out of six from the Trinamool Congress. (Photo/Agencies)

43 'red alert' constituencies in phase 3

The Association for Democratic Reforms’ report said that 43 out of 95 constituencies going to polls in the third phase are “red alert” constituencies. A constituency is classified as “red alert” if three or more candidates contesting there have declared criminal cases against themselves. (Photo/Agencies)