16% candidates in UP are criminals: Study

As many as 16 per cent candidates in poll fray in the second phase of polling in Uttar Pradesh have a criminal background, according to a study. Of the 147 candidates in the fray, 24 have criminal cases against them of which 18 (12 per cent) face serious criminal charges like murder, attempt to murder and kidnapping, a study by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) said here on Wednesday.

These facts have come to light in review of the nomination papers of the various candidates in the second fray which goes to poll on April 17, the report said. A maximum of five of BSP's 11 candidates (45 per cent) have criminal background followed by BJP's 3 (27 per cent), Aam Aadmi Party's two out of 10 (20 per cent), Peace Party's two out of 10 (20 per cent) Samajwadi Party's one out of 10 (10 per cent) and Congress' 2 of 8(25 per cent). There are 52 per cent crorepatis fighting the elections in this phase, the report said adding that 52 of 147 candidates have assets worth crores.