Lok Sabha Elections Phase 3: 18% Candidates Have Criminal Cases, Over 85% Are Crorepatis

The ADR and NEE analyzed affidavits of 1,352 candidates in Phase 3 of the Lok Sabha elections and found that 244 (18%) have criminal cases against them, including 172 serious cases. Notably, 38 candidates face charges related to crimes against women, and 24 are implicated in attempted murder cases. Among the major parties, 30% of candidates from both state and national parties have criminal cases. Excluding AITMC, all major state parties have at least 30% of candidates facing criminal charges. The BJP and INC have 27% and 38% of candidates with criminal cases, respectively. Geographically, Bijapur, Fatehpur Sikri, Araria, Sangli, South Goa, Sangli, and Madha have the highest percentage of candidates with criminal cases. Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Goa, Bihar, and West Bengal have the highest proportion of candidates with criminal cases among the states. Over 85% of candidates from major parties are crorepatis. Among the national parties, 94% of BJP and 88% of Congress candidates are crorepatis. All major state parties’ candidates, except SP, are crorepatis. The BJP has the highest median assets of ₹6.95 crores, while Congress candidates have ₹6.4 crores. However, Congress candidates with criminal cases have a higher median asset value (₹8.6 crores) than BJP candidates (₹4.4 crores). Notably, over 35% of constituencies in Phase 3 have no female candidates.

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