100 OUT OF 381 CANDIDATES CONTESTING POLLS HAVE DECLARED CRIMINAL CASES AGAINST THEMSELVES: OEW & ADR

Bhubaneswar (18/05/2024): The Odisha Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of 381 out of 383 candidates, who are contesting in the Odisha Assembly Elections 2024 Phase III in 42 constituencies. Out of 381 candidates analyzed, 100 (26%) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves.

Besides, 86(23%) have declared serious criminal cases against themselves.

Four candidates have declared cases related to murder (IPC Section -302) against themselves.

Similarly, 26 candidates have declared cases related to attempt to murder (IPC Section 307) against themselves. This apart, 28 candidates have declared cases related to crime against women.

Out of 28 candidates 2 candidates have declared charges related to rape (IPC Section-376).

Among the major parties,2(100%) out of 2 candidates analysed from CPI(M), 26(62%) out of 42 candidates analysed from BJP, 15 (36%) out of 42 candidates analysed from BJD and 15 (36%) out of 42 candidates analysed from INC have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

Among the major parties, 23(55%) out of 42 candidates analysed from BJP, 1(50%) out of 2 candidates analysed from CPI(M), 13 (31%) out of 42 candidates analysed from INC and 12 (29%) out of 42 candidates analysed from BJD have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits. As per the data revealed, 19(45%) out of 42 constituencies are red alert constituencies.

Red alert constituencies are those where 3 or more contesting candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves. The directions of the Supreme Court have had no effect on the political parties in selection of candidates in the Odisha Assembly Elections Phase III as they have again followed their old practice of giving tickets to around 26% candidates with criminal cases.

All major parties contesting in Odisha Elections Phase 3 have given tickets from 36 % to 100 % candidates who have declared criminal cases against themselves.

In a press conference held in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, the members of OEW and ADR highlighted that the Supreme Court in its directions dated February 13, 2020 had specifically instructed political parties to give reasons for such selection and why other individuals without criminal antecedents could not be selected as candidates.

As per these mandatory guidelines, the reasons for such selection has to be with reference to qualifications, achievements and merit of the candidate concerned.

During the recent 5 State Assembly elections held in 2023, it was observed that political parties gave unfounded and baseless reasons like popularity of the person, does good social work, cases are politically motivated etc.

These are not sound and cogent reasons for fielding candidates with tainted backgrounds.

This data clearly shows that political parties have no interest in reforming the electoral system and our democracy will continue to suffer at the hands of lawbreakers who become lawmakers. It was also found that out of the 381 candidates, 126 (33%) are crorepatis.