12 OUT OF 28 CONSTITUENCIES IN ODISHA ARE RED ALERT CONSTITUENCIES, REVEALS ODISHA ELECTION WATCH & ADR

May 6, 2024 - 22:59

12 OUT OF 28 CONSTITUENCIES IN ODISHA ARE RED ALERT CONSTITUENCIES, REVEALS ODISHA ELECTION WATCH & ADR

Bhubaneswar (06/05/2024): The Odisha Election Watch (OEW) and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of all 243 candidates, who are contesting in the Odisha Assembly Elections Phase I in 28 constituencies: Nuapada, Khariar, Umerkote, Jharigam, Nabarangpur, Dabugam, Lanjigarh, Junagarh, Dharmagarh, Bhawanipatna ST), Narla, Chhatarpur (SC), Gopalpur, Berhampur, Digapahandi, Chikiti, Mohana (ST), Paralakhemundi, Gunupur (ST), Bissam Cuttack (ST), Rayagada (ST), Lakshmipur (ST), Kotpad (ST), Jeypore, Koraput (SC), Pottangi (ST), Malkangiri (ST) and Chitrakonda (ST). Out of 243 candidates analyzed, 65 (27%) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves and 48(20%) have declared serious criminal cases against themselves.

This was revealed at a press conference in Bhubaneswar organised by OEW and ADR on Monday. Among the major parties,18(64%) out of 28 candidates analysed from BJP, 17(61%) out of 28 candidates analysed from INC, 9 (32%) out of 28 candidates analysed from BJD and 3 (27%) out of 11 candidates analysed from AAP have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

Among the major parties,15(54%) out of 28 candidates analysed from BJP, 10(36%) out of 28 candidates analysed from INC, 3 (27%) out of 11 candidates analysed from AAP and 4(14%) out of 28 candidates analysed from BJD have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits. According to the information shared during the press briefing, 12(43%) out of 28 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 Odihsa Assembly Elections Phase I as they have again followed their old practice of giving tickets to around 27% candidates with criminal cases.

All major parties contesting in Odisha Elections Phase 1 have given tickets from 27 % to 64 % candidates who have declared criminal cases against themselves.

The Supreme Court in its directions dated 13th February, 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.

Moreover, it was highlighted that out of the 243 candidates, 70 (29%) are crorepatis.

Among the major parties 25(89%) out of 28 candidates analysed from BJD, 14(50%) out of 28 candidates analysed from BJP, 14(50%) out of 28 candidates analysed from INC and 2(18%) out of 11 candidates analysed from AAP have declared assets valued more than Rs 1 crore. Core team members of OEW Sahadev Sahoo, Dr Seba Mohapatra and Coordinator of OEW Ranjan Mohanty were present addressing the media.