Bihar election has 31% candidates with criminal cases

• In the first phase 86% are red alert constituencies

Jubilee News Desk

As Bihar elections near its first phase the history of candidates too is getting exposed. And as per the affidavits filed by the candidates for the first phase of election beginning October 28, about 31% of the candidates have criminal cases against them.

This is despite the election commission had written letter to parties asking them to specify why, if they field, a candidate with criminal history. Parties were asked to give reasons for fielding a candidate with criminal history. IN some cases parties avoided the criminal history of their candidate by fielding spouses of the key candidate.

The declaration about criminal cases have been made by the candidates themselves in the affidavits filed at the time of filing nomination for contesting election with an aim to become an MLA and a minister.

The Bihar Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of 1064 out of 1066 candidates, who are contesting in the Bihar Assembly Elections Phase I in the following constituencies. Out of 1064 candidates analyzed, 328 (31%) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves. IN all 244(23%) have declared serious criminal cases against themselves.

Among the major parties, 30 (73%) out of 41 candidates analysed from RJD, 21 (72%) out of 29 candidates analysed from BJP, 24 (59%) out of 41 candidates analysed from LJP, 12 (57%) out of 21 candidates analysed from INC, 15 (43%) out of 35 candidates analysed from JD (U) and 8 (31%) out of 26 candidates analysed from BSP have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits, said ADR in a press release on the basis of affidavits analysed.

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Among the major parties, 22 (54%) out of 41 candidates analysed from RJD, 20 (49%) out of 41 candidates analysed from LJP, 13(45%) out of 29 candidates analysed from BJP, 9 (43%) out of 21 candidates analysed from INC, 10 (29%) out of 35 candidates analysed from JD (U) and 5 (19%) out of 26 candidates analysed from BSP have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

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In all 29 candidates have declared cases related to crime against women. Out of 29 candidates 3 candidates have declared cases related to rape (IPC Section-375 and 376). IN all 21 candidates have declared cases related to murder (IPC Section-302) against themselves.

In the elections 61 (86%) out of 71 constituencies are Red alert constituencies. Red alert constituencies are those where 3 or more contesting candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves.