ADR Report: Insights into Lok Sabha Election 2024 Phase Three Candidates

Ahead of the third phase of Lok Sabha elections scheduled for May 7th, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) released a comprehensive report analyzing 1,352 candidate affidavits from 12 states. The report sheds light on various aspects of the candidates, including criminal records, assets, educational qualifications, and demographics.

Criminal Cases:

Out of the 1,352 candidates analyzed, 18% or 244 candidates have criminal cases registered against them. Additionally, 13% of candidates declared serious criminal cases, including five facing murder charges. Among these, 38 candidates have cases related to crimes against women, with 2 facing serious charges like rape under section 376 of the Indian Penal Code.

Party-wise Analysis:

• BJP: 27% of their candidates have criminal cases.
• Congress: 38% of their candidates have criminal cases.
• SP: 50% of their candidates have criminal cases.
• Shiv Sena (UBT): 80% of their candidates have criminal cases.
• RJD: 100% of their candidates have criminal cases.
• NCP (SCP): 67% of their candidates have criminal cases.
• JDU: 33% of their candidates have criminal cases.
• TMC: 17% of their candidates have criminal cases

Crorepati Candidates:

29% of the candidates, totaling 392, are crorepatis. Notably, 94% of BJP candidates and 88% of Congress candidates fall under this category.

• Pallavi Srinivas Dempo (South Goa, BJP): Over ₹1361 crores.
• Jyotiraditya Scindia (Guna, BJP): Over ₹424 crores.
• Lowest Assets: 5 candidates declared zero assets.
• while some have negligible amounts, like ₹100 and ₹2,000.

Educational Qualifications:

• Literate candidates: 56
• Illiterate candidates: 19
• Candidates with education between 5th to 12th: 639
• Graduates and above: 591
• Diploma holders: 44
• 3 candidates did not declare their educational qualifications.

Demographics :

Age Group Distribution:

• 25 to 40 years: 411 candidates
• 41 to 60 years: 712 candidates
• 61 to 80 years: 228 candidates
• Above 80 years: 1 candidate
• Women Candidates: 123 are contesting in the third phase.

As the Lok Sabha elections progress, the ADR report provides valuable insights into the profiles of candidates, highlighting aspects such as criminal records, financial status, educational qualifications, and demographics. These findings serve as a crucial resource for voters to make informed decisions during the electoral process.