A recent analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has uncovered alarming details about candidates competing in the second phase of Bihar's assembly elections, scheduled for November 11. The report reveals that a significant portion of these candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves, raising serious questions about the quality of political representation.
High Percentage of Candidates With Criminal Backgrounds
The ADR examined affidavits from 1,297 out of 1,302 candidates contesting in this phase, as the remaining documents were unclear. Their analysis found that 415 candidates (32%) have acknowledged criminal cases registered against them. Even more concerning is that 341 candidates (26%) face serious criminal charges including murder, kidnapping, assault, corruption, and bribery.
According to the ADR's classification, serious offences include crimes punishable by five years or more imprisonment and those that are non-bailable. The organization could not assess affidavits from Jan Suraaj Party candidates Mantu Singh, Dhirendra Agrawal, and Ikramul Haq; RJD's Abu Dojana; and independent candidate Ritu Jaiswal due to unclear documentation.
Violent Crimes and Crimes Against Women
The report details particularly disturbing findings about the nature of crimes some candidates are accused of. Nineteen candidates have declared cases related to murder under BNS 302/303, while 79 candidates reported cases of attempted murder against them.
In a deeply troubling revelation, 52 candidates declared cases involving atrocities against women. Among these, three candidates face serious charges of rape, highlighting the severe nature of allegations against some political contenders.
Wealth and Educational Qualifications of Candidates
The ADR report also examined the financial and educational backgrounds of the candidates. On the wealth front, 526 candidates (41%) are crorepatis, with total declared assets worth approximately Rs 344 crore.
Regarding educational qualifications, 48% of the candidates are graduates, while the report identified nine candidates as illiterate. This diverse educational background presents a varied picture of the contestants' profiles beyond their legal and financial statuses.
These findings from the ADR report come just before Bihar voters head to the polls for the second phase of assembly elections, providing crucial information about the backgrounds of those seeking to represent them in the state legislature.
