New Delhi: In a concerning revelation, a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch has noted an alarming prevalence of criminal cases among candidates contesting the Lok Sabha elections.
The second phase of the Lok Sabha elections, scheduled for April 26, will witness voting in 89 constituencies spread across 13 states and union territories. According to the report, a staggering 21% of the 1192 candidates contesting in Phase 2 of the Lok Sabha elections have declared criminal cases against them.
Following the commencement of the electoral process on April 19, with 109 constituencies participating in the first phase, the second phase encompasses a total of 89 parliamentary constituencies. This phase marks a significant juncture in India’s democratic exercises, extending from April 19 to June 1, when the electoral process concludes.
A total of 250 candidates in the fray for the second phase of the Lok Sabha election have criminal cases against them, with three facing murder charges, according to an analysis of self-sworn affidavits of the contestants by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and the National Election Watch.
The analysis was carried out on 1,192 of the 1,198 candidates contesting in the second phase of the election. Of these 1,192 candidates, 21 per cent or 250 candidates are named in criminal cases, with 14 per cent or 167 candidates facing serious criminal charges, according to the analysis.
Furthermore, the report highlights that 42 out of the 102 Lok Sabha seats slated for Phase 1 are contested by three or more candidates facing criminal charges. Additionally, 18 candidates have declared cases related to crimes against women, including one candidate facing a rape charge under section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
In another concerning finding, the report notes that 35 candidates are linked to cases of hate speech.
The report also categorizes 41% of the seats to be contested in Phase 1 as ‘red alert’ constituencies, where three or more candidates have declared criminal cases in their affidavits.
Top 5 Leaders Contesting Phase II Elections
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, sitting MP from Jodhpur is looking to score hat-trick.
Former CM Bhupesh Baghel to contest from Rajnandgaon seat, a stronghold of BJP since past 3 decades.
Union Minister Shashi Tharoor to contest from Thiruvananthapuram, a seat he has been consistently winning since 2009.
Aiming for being re-elected for the third time, Hema Malini is representing Mathura constituency.
Rahul Gandhi is vying for his 2nd victory from Wayanad Lok Sabha seat.
Lok Sabha Election 2024: Phase-wise schedule:
• Phase 1- April 19
• Phase 2- April 26
• Phase 3- May 7
• Phase 4 – May 13
• Phase 5 – May 20
• Phase 6 – May 25
• Phase 7 – June 1
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