Based on an analysis of the self-sworn affidavits of the 394 candidates participating in the 4th phase of the Odisha Assembly Elections 2024 from 42 constituencies, the Odisha Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) have determined that up to 96 (24%) of them have filed criminal cases against themselves. In a similar vein, 88 contenders have filed severe criminal complaints against themselves.

The following are the requirements for serious cases: 1. A crime for which five years or more is the maximum sentence. 2. If a crime is not subject to bail. 3. If it constitutes an electoral offence (such as bribery or IPC 171E); 4. An offence connected to exchequer loss; The following categories of offences are listed: 5. assault, murder, kidnapping, and rape; 6. Representation of the People Act (Section 8); 7. Offences covered by the Prevention of Corruption Act; and 8. Crimes against women. In addition, 17 candidates have filed complaints against themselves under IPC Section 307 about attempted murder. Additionally, twenty candidates have reported incidents of crime against women. Two of the twenty contestants have filed charges of rape (IPC Section 376).

After the ADR conducted a more thorough analysis of the self-sworn affidavits, it was found that, of the major parties, 28 (67%) of the 42 candidates it examined from the BJP, 2 (67%) of the 3 candidates it examined from the CPI, 1 (33%), of the 3 candidates it examined from the CPI(M), 13 (31%) of the 42 candidates it examined from the BJD, and 11 (26%) of the 42 candidates it examined from the INC had filed criminal charges against themselves.

According to the ADR report, among the major parties, two (67%) out of three candidates from the CPI, 27 (64%) out of 42 candidates from the BJP, one (33%), out of three candidates from the CPI(M), nine (21%) out of 42 candidates from the BJD, and nine (21%) out of 42 candidates from the INC have filed serious criminal charges against themselves in their affidavits.