Criminal candidates make their presence felt Back
A major cause for concern in these elections has been the significant presence of candidates facing criminal charges—at least 17% according to election watchdog Association for Democratic Reforms, with as many as 11% charged with serious crimes. What is especially alarming is that the presence of candidates with criminal charges has grown since the last elections. In the 2009 Lok Sabha elections, 15% of all candidates declared criminal cases that had been filed against them. (Read the complete report here)
ADR has analyzed the affidavits of 8,163 candidates who have contested in the nine phases. Of these 1,398 face criminal charges, with 889 accused of serious offences like murder, attempt to murder, communal disharmony and electoral violations. 58 have been charged with committing crimes against women with six of them accused of rape. Just two phases—8 and 9—had as many as 20% candidates facing criminal charges.
Topping the chart among the national parties is the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) which has 66% tainted candidates. Even the Aam Aadmi Party has 15% candidates facing criminal charges. How many of these candidates will win their seats is something we will know on May 16