At least 80% of candidates contesting in the Odisha Assembly Elections Phase II have criminal records, according to a report from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

As per the report, total 265 candidates are in the fray for the second phase of Assembly elections in Odisha, of which 87 (33%) candidates are facing criminal cases.

The Odisha Election Watch and ADR have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of all 265 candidates in 35 Assembly constituencies and found 28 (80%) candidates from the BJP have criminal cases against themselves.

Similarly, 17(52%) out of 33 candidates analysed from the Congress, 9 (26%) out of 35 candidates analysed from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and 4 (40%) out of 10 candidates analysed from AAP have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

Among major parties, 20(57%) out of 35 candidates analysed from BJP, 12(36%) out of 33 candidates analysed from INC, 8 (23%) out of 35 candidates analysed from BJD and 2(20%) out of 10 candidates analysed from AAP have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

Besides, 14(40%) out of 35 constituencies have been identified as the red alert constituencies. The Red alert constituencies are those where 3 or more contesting candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves.

Notably, Odisha will go to polls in 35 Assembly Constituencies in second phase on May 20.