Before the end of this week, Bihar will successfully elect a new state government. The second and final phase of polling in the state will take place tomorrow (November 11) and the results will be out on November 14. Ahead of the polling, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) on November 4 published an analysis of the criminal background, among other details of candidates contesting in the upcoming phase. ADR analysed the self-sworn affidavits of 1,297 out of 1,302 candidates contesting in the second phase.
According to the ADR report, almost one-third of candidates contesting in the second phase of the Bihar assembly elections have declared criminal cases against themselves.
Over 25% face serious criminal cases
Of the candidates analysed, 415 (32%) have declared criminal cases, while 341 (26%) face serious charges. These include offences such as murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, assault, corruption, bribery and other crimes punishable by five years or more and generally non-bailable.
As many as 19 candidates have cases related to murder registered against them, while 79 face charges of attempted murder. Additionally, 52 candidates have declared cases involving atrocities against women, including three who face serious charges of rape.
Party-wise candidates with criminal cases
An analysis of candidate affidavits showed that a significant share of nominees across major parties face criminal charges. The Jan Suraaj Party has 58 of its 117 candidates (50%) declaring criminal cases, followed by the RJD with 38 of 70 candidates (54%) and the BJP with 30 of 53 candidates (57%). The Congress reported even higher proportions, with 25 of 37 candidates (68%) facing criminal allegations. Other parties also show concerning levels with 17 of 91 BSP candidates, 14 of 44 JD(U) candidates, 12 of 39 AAP nominees, 9 of 15 Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) candidates declaring a criminal case, according to the ADR report.
Serious criminal charges are widespread as well across the party lines. Out of its 117 candidates, 51 Jan Suraaj Party candidates face serious cases. In Congress, 20 of 37 nominees (54%), in BJP 22 of 53 (42%) and in RJD with 27 of 70 (39%) are facing serious criminal cases against them, ADR report showed.
41% candidates are crorepatis
Beyond criminal records, the ADR also evaluated the financial and educational backgrounds of the contestants. The analysis shows that 526 candidates (41% of those reviewed) are crorepatis. They collectively declared assets amounting to Rs 344 crore. The ADR data suggested a significant wealth concentration among those contesting the upcoming phase.
In terms of educational qualifications, 48% of the candidates contesting in the second phase are graduates, whereas nine have declared themselves illiterate.
