Party Wise Candidates With Criminal Record: Ahead of the Lok Sabha Election 2024, the ADR report has analysed the list of candidates with declared criminal cases against them. 16% of candidates in the first phase polls have criminal cases against them involving charges of murder, rape, crime against women and others.
With just a week left for the Lok Sabha elections to commence, candidates contesting in the first phase have disclosed crucial details, including assets and criminal records, in affidavits submitted to the Election Commission of India. According to an analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch, out of the 1,618 candidates analysed in 21 states, 252 candidates, or 16%, have declared criminal cases against themselves.
The ADR report, based on the analysis of self-sworn affidavits, revealed that among the candidates with criminal records, 15 have declared that they have been convicted. Furthermore, serious criminal charges are filed against 161 candidates, constituting 10% of the total candidates.
(Category-wise criminal cases against Lok Sabha candidates, Source: ADR)
The analysis also reveals that seven candidates are facing murder charges, while 19 are involved in attempt to murder cases. Additionally, 18 candidates have declared cases related to crimes against women, with one facing a grave rape charge under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). A total of 35 candidates have been named in cases concerning hate speech.
The report also sheds light on the concerning statistic that 41 percent of the constituencies heading for polls in the first phase are categorised as "red alert" constituencies, indicating the presence of multiple candidates with criminal backgrounds. This alarming trend cuts across various political parties.
Party Wise Candidate List With Criminal Record:
(Major Party Wise Candidates with Declared Criminal Cases; Source-ADR)
“Among the major parties, 4 (100%) out of 4 candidates from RJD, 13(59%) out of 22 candidates from DMK, 3 (43%) out of 7 candidates from SP, 2(40%) out of 5 candidates from AITC, 28(36%) out of 77 candidates from BJP, 13(36%) out of 36 candidates from AIADMK, 19(34%) out of 56 candidates from INC and 11 (13%) out of 86 candidates from BSP have declared criminal cases against themselves,” ADR report said.
The Lok Sabha polls are scheduled to be conducted in seven phases, starting from April 19, with the counting of votes slated for June 4. Subsequent phases will occur on April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1, respectively.
