Bihar’s first phase of elections reveals a concerning trend: nearly 27% of the 1,314 candidates vying for 121 seats face serious criminal accusations. This alarming statistic, drawn from affidavits filed by the candidates themselves, highlights a significant presence of individuals with allegations ranging from murder to rape.
Across the board, 32% of all candidates have declared criminal cases, with 354 individuals facing grave offenses. Notably, 33 candidates are accused of murder, and 86 face attempted murder charges. Crimes against women are also prevalent, with 42 candidates linked to such offenses, and two individuals specifically disclosing rape charges.
The data indicates a party-wise distribution of these serious allegations. Every candidate from the Communist Party of India (Maxist) is implicated. For other parties, the figures are: 80% for CPI, 64% for CPI (Marxist-Leninist), 60% for RJD, and 56% for BJP. Congress follows with 52%, JD(U) with 26%, and AAP with 20%.
When considering all declared criminal cases, RJD leads with 76% of its candidates having records, followed by BJP and Congress at 65% each. CPI and CPI (M) have 100% of their candidates with criminal cases. JD(U) stands at 39%, AAP at 27%, and BSP at 20%.
Beyond criminal records, the electoral landscape is dominated by ‘crorepatis,’ with 40% of candidates possessing assets over Rs 1 crore. The average declared wealth is Rs 3.26 crore. While nearly half are highly educated, women constitute only 9% of the total contenders.
