The Odisha Election Watch (OEW) and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of all 265 candidates, who are contesting in the Odisha Assembly Elections 2024 Phase II in 35 constituencies- Padampur, Bijepur, Bargarh, Attabira (SC), Bhatli, Brajarajnagar, Jharsuguda, Talsara (ST), Sundargarh (ST), Biramitrapur (ST), Raghunathpali (SC), Rourkela, Rajgangpur (ST), Bonai (ST), Birmaharajpur (SC), Sonepur, Loisingha (SC),Patnagarh, Balangir,Titlagarh, Kantabanji, Baliguda (ST),G.Udayagiri (ST), Phulbani (ST), Kantamal, Boudh, Daspalla (SC), Bhanjanagar, Polasara, Kabisuryanagar, Khalikote (SC), Aska, Surada, Sanakhemundi and Hinjili. Out of 265 candidates analyzed, 87 (33%) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves.

As per analysis, 70(26%) candidates have declared serious criminal cases against themselves.

All major parties contesting in Odisha Elections Phase 2 have given tickets from 26 % to 80 % candidates who have declared criminal cases against themselves.

The Supreme Court in its directions dated February 13, 2020 had specifically instructed political parties to give reasons for such selection and why other individuals without criminal antecedents could not be selected as candidates.

As per these mandatory guidelines, the reasons for such selection has to be with reference to qualifications, achievements and merit of the candidate concerned.

During the recent 5 State Assembly elections held in 2023, it was observed that political parties gave unfounded and baseless reasons like popularity of the person, does good social work, cases are politically motivated etc.

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.

Out of the 265 candidates, 95 (36%) are crorepatis.

The role of money power in the elections is evident from the fact that all major political parties give tickets to wealthy candidates.

Among the major parties 30(86%) out of 35 candidates analysed from BJD, 24(69%) out of 35 candidates analysed from BJP, 24(73%) out of 33 candidates analysed from INC and 3(30%) out of 10 candidates analysed from AAP have declared assets valued more than Rs.1 crore.

The average of assets per candidate contesting in the Odisha Assembly Elections 2024 Phase II is Rs.3.98 crore.

Among major parties, the average assets per candidate for 35 BJD candidates analysed is Rs.12.09 crore, 33 INC candidates analysed is Rs 2.95 crore, 35 BJP candidates have average assets of Rs.13.11 crore and 10 AAP candidates have average assets worth Rs.95.89 lakh.

The ADR recommends that to remedy the existing problem of criminalization is to immediately act upon the plausible solutions offered by various committees, civil society and citizens.

The Supreme Court of India being the ultimate custodian of “Justice and Rule of Law” should reprimand political parties and politicians for their complete lack of will, reprehensible predilection and absence of required laws.

It suggested for permanent disqualification of candidates convicted for heinous crimes like murder, rape, smuggling, dacoity, kidnapping,etc.