Seven of 21 (33%) Independent candidates in fray in the state in the fourth phase of Lok Sabha elections are crorepatis.
Altogether 23 of 55 (42%) candidates have declared their assets at over Rs 1 crore this time, a jump from 37% and 28%, in the third and second phases, respectively. Average assets of candidates in the fourth phase are estimated at Rs 2.88 crore.
BJP’s Nityanand Rai (Ujiarpur) and Giriraj Singh (Begusarai) are among the top three richest candidates in the fourth phase.
RJD’s Lalit Kumar Yadav (Darbhanga) occupies the second spot on the list of richest candidates. On the other hand, independents Ravi Raushan Kumar (Samastipur), Md Shahnawaz Hassan (Begusarai) and Santosh Rai (Ujiarpur) are the poorest of them all.
Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh (Munger) of JD(U) has declared highest income among all candidates. Shambhavi Choudhary, JD(U) minister Ashok Choudhary’s daughter whop contesting on LJP (RV) symbol from Samastipur, holds the second spot in terms of income, flowed by Lalit Kumar Yadav (third place).
Association for Democratic Reforms and Bihar Election Watch have prepared the report on basis of self-sworn affidavits filed by the candidates contesting from five seats comprising Begusarai, Darbhanga, Munger, Samastipur (SC) and Ujiarpur that will go to polls on May 13.
However, the number of candidates with criminal and serious criminal offences in the fourth phase has come down to 10 (18%) and six (11%), from 24% and 22%, respectively in the third phase and 24% and 18% in the second phase.
All three BJP candidates have criminal offences. Two RJD and one CPI candidates have also declared criminal cases against them.
BJP’s Giriraj Singh has the maximum number of declared criminal cases, while Anshu Kumar of Subhashwadi Bhartiya Samajwadi Party is at the second spot. BJP’s Nityanand Rai is the third with maximum criminal cases.
In terms of education, 35 candidates (64%) are graduates or above, including nine postgraduates, two doctorates and six graduate professionals.
This time maximum four (7%) female contestants are in the fray. They include Shambhavi LJP (RV), Kumari Anita (RJD), Nikki Jha (Jagrook Janata Party) and Amrita Kumari (Independent).
Gender imbalance in Lok Sabha elections: Just 8% women candidates contested first two phases of polls
Ongoing Lok Sabha elections highlight gender bias with low women candidate representation. Concerns persist about political parties' reluctance to promote diversity. Analysts and activists emphasize the need for proactive measures to enhance women's political participation and systemic reforms for gender inclusivity.
13 of 54 nominees in third phase of polls in Bihar face criminal charges: Report
Analysis by Bihar Election Watch and ADR shows 24% of Bihar's Lok Sabha candidates in the third phase have criminal charges. The candidates' financial status and educational background are also highlighted, with 37% being crorepatis and 56% being graduates or above.
BJD candidate Santrupt Misra richest in fray so far with Rs 461 crore assets
Santrupt Misra, contesting on a BJD ticket, declared assets worth Rs 461 crore, including bank deposits, investments, luxury cars, wife's assets, and agricultural land. Also, owns flats in Hyderabad, Mumbai, along with Dilip Ray's assets.
