By-Polls Analysis Reveals Criminal Cases and Wealth Disparities Among Candidates

A report by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch (NEW) has unveiled concerning trends in the upcoming by-polls for seven Assembly constituencies across six states. Out of the 42 candidates contesting, 16 (38 percent) have declared criminal cases against them, with 11 (26 percent) facing serious criminal charges, according to the self-sworn affidavits analyzed by the report.

Additionally, 10 candidates (24 percent) are crorepatis, with an average wealth of Rs 1.08 crore per candidate, while 19 candidates carry liabilities. The analysis also spotlighted gender disparity, with only five out of the 42 candidates being women, amounting to 12 percent of the total.

The by-polls, set for September 5, encompass constituencies in Jharkhand, Kerala, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal, including Dumri, Puthuppally, Boxanagar, Dhanpur, Ghosi, Bageshwar, and Dhupguri.