New Delhi, May 21: As the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections has concluded, an analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch has revealed significant insights about the candidates. Of the 695 candidates contesting in this phase, 159 (23%) have declared criminal cases against themselves, with 122 facing serious criminal charges. Notably, 29 candidates have cases related to crimes against women, and 28 are involved in cases of attempted murder.
Criminal Records Among Major Party Candidates
Among the two major national parties, over 40% of candidates from both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) have criminal cases. The highest percentages of candidates with criminal cases are from constituencies like Mohanlalganj in Uttar Pradesh (45.45%), Mumbai South (43%), Chatra in Jharkhand (41%), Dhule (39%), and Gonda in Uttar Pradesh (37.5%).
Wealth of Contesting Candidates
Over 80% of candidates from major parties are crorepatis. Among the national parties, 90% of BJP candidates and 83% of Congress candidates possess assets worth over a crore. All candidates from the Samajwadi Party (SP), Shiv Sena, NCP (Sharad Pawar), and RJD are also crorepatis. The median assets of BJP candidates are the highest at ₹8.6 crores, compared to ₹3.7 crores for Congress candidates. Independent candidates generally hold less wealth, with median assets below ₹50 lakhs in most states.
Female Representation
Despite progress, female representation remains low. Out of the 49 constituencies across six states and two Union Territories that voted in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha polls, 11 have no female candidates. Among national parties, the number of female candidates is in single digits.
The Plight of the Common Man
This analysis highlights the ongoing challenges in Indian politics, from the criminal backgrounds of candidates to the significant wealth disparity and low female representation. When such candidates come to power, the common man is left to wonder what kind of governance and justice they can expect. The presence of individuals with serious criminal records in positions of power raises concerns about the future of law and order and the overall integrity of political leadership in the country.
