18% of phase 3 election candidates accused in criminal cases, 29% are crorepatis: Report

In Phase 3 of the Lok Sabha elections, 18% of the candidates, totaling 244 out of 1,352 individuals, are facing criminal cases, as per a report by the National Election Watch and the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

Out of the total, 172 candidates (13%) have declared serious criminal cases, including instances related to murder and crimes against women like rape. Additionally, 17 candidates are facing cases pertaining to hate speech.

The report highlights that 27% of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates and 38% of Congress candidates have criminal cases against them. Notably, all three candidates contesting phase three polls from the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) face criminal charges, while the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has 17% such candidates.

Moreover, red alert has been issued in 45% of the constituencies, indicating that three or more candidates in these areas have declared criminal cases against themselves.

Regarding financial status, the report reveals that 29% of the candidates are crorepatis, with assets worth ₹1 crore or more. The BJP and Congress stand out in this aspect, with 94% and 88% of their respective candidates falling into the crorepatis category.

The third phase voting will occur on May 7 in 94 Lok Sabha seats across 12 states and Union Territories.