According to a new report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), more than half of the candidates contesting the first round of elections in Manipur are crorepatis and at least 21% are facing criminal charges.

Manipur Election Watch and ADR analyzed the affidavits of all the 173 candidates contesting in the first phase.

The first phase of Manipur elections will be held on February 28 in 38 constituencies.

At least 91 (53%) candidates are crorepatis, while the average value of assets per candidate is Rs 2.51 crore.

“The role of money power in our elections is evident from the fact that all major political parties give tickets to rich candidates,” the report said.

Among the major parties, 21 out of 27 candidates of National People’s Party (NPP) (78%), 27 out of 38 candidates of BJP (71%), 18 out of 35 candidates of Congress (51%) and J.P. Out of 28 candidates of D (U), 14 (50%) have declared assets of more than Rs. 1 crore.

The average value of NPP candidates is Rs 3.48 crore, BJP candidates Rs 2.84 crore, JD (U) candidates Rs 2.67 crore and Congress candidates Rs 1.93 crore.

The report states that out of 173 candidates analyzed, 37 (21%) have declared criminal cases against themselves, out of which 27 (16%) have declared serious criminal cases against themselves.

At least 11 (29%) BJP candidates, seven (25%) JD (U), eight (23%) Congress and three (11%) NPP candidates have filed criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits. Has been announced. . In addition, 10 of the BJP, five of the JD (U), four of the Congress and two of the NPP have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

Two candidates have filed criminal cases against women and the same number have filed murder cases (IPC Section 302).

Only 9% (15) women candidates are contesting in the first phase of Manipur Assembly elections.