ADR Analysis Reveals Alarming Number of Candidates with Criminal Cases in Lok Sabha Polls

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 23rd May. An analysis conducted by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has revealed that out of the 8,337 candidates contesting in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, a staggering 1,644 candidates have criminal cases registered against them. Among these, 1,188 candidates face serious criminal charges, including allegations related to murder, attempted murder, crimes against women, and hate speech.

The analysis, which examined affidavits of candidates across different phases of the elections, highlighted concerning trends. In the first phase, out of 1,618 candidates analyzed, 252 have criminal cases, while 161 face serious criminal charges. Similarly, the second phase saw 250 candidates with criminal cases out of 1,192 analyzed, with 167 facing serious charges.

Phase-wise data revealed a disturbing pattern, with the highest number of candidates with criminal charges found in the fourth phase. Out of the 1,710 candidates analyzed in this phase, a staggering 360 had criminal charges against them, with 274 facing serious criminal charges.

The analysis underscores the prevalence of candidates with criminal backgrounds across various phases of the elections. Even in phases with fewer candidates, a significant proportion faced criminal charges, indicating a systemic issue that needs attention.

Overall, the findings of the analysis raise concerns about the criminalization of politics and highlight the need for greater scrutiny and transparency in candidate selection processes. As voters exercise their democratic right, awareness of candidates’ backgrounds and criminal records becomes crucial for making informed choices.