Puducherry Assembly elections: 23% of candidates face criminal cases, 41% Crorepatis, Says ADR Report

New Delhi: Out of the 294 candidates that are contesting the upcoming Puducherry assembly elections, about 23 per cent of candidates have declared criminal cases, while 41 per cent are crorepatis, according to a report released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

According to the ADR, 66 contestants (23 per cent) have declared criminal cases, including 38 (13 per cent) facing serious charges.

What is there in ADR report?

The analysis is based on the affidavits of 291 out of 294 candidates contesting the 30 seats. The affidavits is filed by the candidates with the Election Commission of India (ECI), a mandatory disclosure required for contesting an election.

Out of the total candidates, 34 are from national parties, 63 from state parties, 80 from registered unrecognised parties, and 117 are Independents.

How many candidates have criminal cases?

According to report, 66 candidates, which is 23 per cent, have declared criminal cases against their names. This has increased from 54, which was 17 per cent, in the 2021 elections. 

Out of these 66 candidates, 38 (13 per cent) face serious criminal charges, which is up from 28 (9 per cent) in the previous polls.

What is party-wise break-up of candidates with criminal cases?

The newly formed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which is led by actor-politician Vijay, has fielded 28 candidates, of whom 10 face criminal charges.

From the Congress, 3 of 21 candidates, 4 of 16 from the All India NR Congress (AINRC), 6 of 12 from the DMK, and 5 of 10 candidates from the BJP have declared criminal cases in their affidavits. 

Out of these candidates, three candidates face cases related to crimes against women, while two have been booked under IPC Section 302 in murder cases.

What did the ADR say? 

The ADR, while raising concerns over candidate selection practices, said that 
"The major political parties have given tickets to 14-50 per cent candidates who face criminal cases."

The ADR also said that in recent elections, parties had cited "unfounded" reasons such as "popularity" or claims that cases were politically motivated.

"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," the ADR said.

How many candidates are crorepatis?

The report stated that 119 candidates (41 per cent) are crorepatis, which is a sharp rise from 74 (23 per cent) in 2021. About 17 of 21 Congress candidates, all 16 AINR nominees, 11 of 12 DMK candidates, and all 10 BJP candidates have declared assets exceeding Rs 1 crore.

When is the election?

According to the schedule decided by the Election Commission, voting for 30 seats will be held in a single phase on April 9. The counting of votes in the Union territory will take place on May 4.