Odisha assembly polls: 27% candidates declared criminal cases, as per ADR report
Shocking revelations from the recent ADR report! Join us as we dissect the findings that reveal 27% of candidates in the Odisha assembly polls have declared criminal cases against them. Stay informed with our detailed analysis of this concerning development.
As per the ADR report, 27% of candidates contesting in the Odisha assembly polls have declared criminal cases.
As per the ADR report, out of 412 candidates, which is 32% of the total, have assets exceeding ₹1 crore. This includes 96 candidates from BJP, 88 from Congress, 128 from BJD, and 11 from AAP.
According to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Odisha Election Watch, out of the total 1,283 candidates contesting in the Odisha assembly elections across four phases, 348 candidates (27%) have declared criminal cases against themselves. Among them, 292 candidates (23%) face serious criminal charges.
The ADR analyzed self-sworn affidavits of 1,283 candidates, categorized as follows: 428 from national parties, 207 from state parties, 223 from registered unrecognised parties, and 425 contesting independently.
Sixty-six candidates have cases related to crimes against women, with four charged for rape. Ten candidates have declared cases related to murder, and five others have cases related to hate speech.
Out of 147 Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates, 68% have declared criminal cases, followed by 41% from the Congress, 31% from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), and 17% from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
According to the ADR report, 412 candidates (32%) have assets worth more than ₹1 crore – 96 from BJP, 88 from Congress, 128 from BJD, and 11 from AAP. The average declared assets per candidate are ₹2.89 crore.
The candidates with the highest assets are BJP’s Dilip Kumar Ray (₹313+ crores) from Rourkela constituency, BJD’s Sanatan Mahakud (₹227+ crores) from Champua constituency, and BJD’s Subasini Jena (₹135+ crores) from Basta constituency. Five candidates have declared zero assets.
Regarding educational qualifications, 652 candidates (51%) are said to be graduates or above, 51 candidates are diploma holders, while 566 (44%) have studied till classes V-XII; 12 candidates are ‘mere literate’ and 2 are illiterate.
Furthermore, only 14% (178) of the candidates are women.
The Odisha assembly elections in 147 seats will conclude on June 1. The tenure of the current legislative assembly will end on June 2.
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