Here are the complete details released at the press conference of the phase 1 analysis. A few highlights:
1. Total no. of Candidates with Criminal Records = 222 (i.e. 16% of 1425 candidates)
2. Most of the major political parties have fielded candidates with criminal records, with top four parties being INC (24), BJP(23), BSP(17) and SP(10)
3. Most states have candidates with criminal background contesting elections- Bihar is at the top with 51 candidates (or 26%)
4. There are 306 charges of heinous nature on the candidates which includes, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, extortion, etc.
5. Percentage of contesting crorepatis has increased from 9% in 2004 to 14% in 2009
6. 68% candidates have not furnished their PAN card details.
7. Number of women candidates is just 122(7%) as compared to 1593 of men(93%).
