342 more candidates with criminal cases contesting 2019 polls than 2009: ADR

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, 342 candidates with criminal cases are contesting the elections than the number in 2009 polls, according to National Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

"Out of the 7,928 candidates analysed in Lok Sabha 2019, 1,500 candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves. In 2014 Lok Sabha elections, out of 8,205 candidates analysed, 1,404 candidates had declared criminal cases against themselves," a report released by the ADR on Monday said.A

In 2009, out of 7,810 candidates analysed 1,158 candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves, the ADR added.

A total of 462 more candidates contesting in Lok Sabha 2019 have declared serious criminal cases including cases related to rape, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, crimes against women when compared to 2009.

"A total of 1,070 candidates contesting in Lok Sabha 2019 Elections have declared serious criminal cases including cases related to rape, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, crimes against women etc.

"Out of 8,205 candidates analysed during Lok Sabha elections in 2014, 908 candidates had declared serious criminal cases against themselves. Out of 7,810 candidates analysed during Lok Sabha elections in 2009, 608 candidates had declared serious criminal cases against themselves," it said.

While the Congress has named 47 more candidates with criminal cases this time than in 2009, the BJP has named 59 more such candidates.

Out of 433 candidtes from BJP contesting in 2019, 175 have criminal cases, while A124 have declared serious criminal cases.

A total of 164 out of 419 candidates from Congress, 85 out of 381 candidates from BSP, 40 out of 69 candidates fielded by CPI(M) and 400 out of 3,370 AIndependent candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits," the ADR said.

On candidates with serious criminal cases, the ADR said, "107 out of 419 candidates from Congress, 61 out of 381 candidates from BSP, 24 out of 69 candidates fielded by CPI(M) and 292 out of 3,370 Independent candidates have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits."

In terms of crorepatis, 1,048 more crorepatis are contesting the 2019 polls.

"Out of the 7,928 candidates analysed, 2,297 are crorepatis. Out of 8,205 candidates analysed during Lok Sabha 2014 elections, 2,217 candidates were crorepatis. Out of 7,810 candidates analysed during Lok Sabha 2009 elections, 1,249 candidates were crorepatis," the ADR added.

--IANS

nks/prs