ADR Analysis Reveals: 1 in 5 Candidates in Lok Sabha Phase IV Elections Have Criminal Records...
Association for Democratic Reforms Flags Alarming Trends Ahead of Phase IV Voting.
NEW DELHI: In an analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and The National Election Watch, startling revelations have emerged about the candidates contesting in Phase IV of the Lok Sabha Elections.
Out of the 1710 candidates analyzed, a staggering 21% have declared criminal cases against themselves. Even more concerning is that 16% of them face serious criminal charges.
The analysis has been done ss per the self sowrn affidavits submiited by the contesting candidates to Election Commission of India.
It further exposes the gravity of the situation, with 17 candidates having declared convictions, while 11 candidates face charges related to murder and 30 candidates are charged with attempted murder.
Additionally, 50 candidates are entangled in cases related to crimes against women, including 5 with charges of rape.
Despite the Supreme Court's directives, major political parties seem undeterred, with tickets being given to candidates with criminal backgrounds ranging from 37% to a shocking 100%.
The reasons cited for such selections often lack substance, with excuses like popularity or politically motivated cases failing to justify the decisions.
Financial disparities among candidates also raise eyebrows, with 28% of them being Crorepatis, while others declare assets as low as zero.
High liabilities are prevalent among 51% of candidates, with some facing debts amounting to hundreds of crores.
In response to these concerning findings, ADR has put forward a series of recommendations aimed at cleaning up the electoral process, including permanent disqualification of candidates convicted of heinous crimes, cancellation of tax exemptions for parties fielding tainted candidates, and ensuring timely trials for accused politicians.
With the Phase IV elections approaching, voters face a critical choice in evaluating the backgrounds and qualifications of the candidates vying for their trust and representing their interests in the Lok Sabha.
Candidates with Serious Criminal Cases:
1. Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani - Andhra Pradesh, Guntur - TDP
2. Konda Vishweshwar Reddy - Telangana, Chevella - BJP
3. Prabhakar Reddy Vemireddy - Andhra Pradesh, Nellore - TDP
4. Y.S. Sharmila Reddy - Andhra Pradesh, Kadapa - INC
Top Five Richest Candidates:
1. Dr Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani - Andhra Pradesh, Guntur - TDP
2. Konda Vishweshwar Reddy - Telangana, Chevella - BJP
3. Prabhakar Reddy Vemireddy - Andhra Pradesh, Nellore - TDP
4. Shaik Basheed - Andhra Pradesh, Rajampet - INC
5. Dr Gaddam Ranjith Reddy - Telangana, Chevella - INC