Twenty-six percent of the 284 candidates contesting in phase seven of the West Bengal Assembly polls this year have declared criminal cases against themselves, a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms stated. The West Bengal Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of all 284 candidates from 36 constituencies contesting in the polls to be held on April 26.

"Out of 284 candidates analysed, 73 (26 percent) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves. About 60 (21 percent) have declared serious criminal cases against themselves," the poll rights body said. Among the major parties, 9 (69 percent) out of 13 candidates analysed from the CPI(M), 19 (53 percent) out of 36 candidates analysed from the AITC, 19 (53 percent) out of 36 candidates analysed from the BJP and 9 (47 percent) out of 19 candidates analysed from the Congress have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

Among the major parties, 7 (54 percent) out of 13 candidates analysed from the CPI(M), 16(44 percent) out of 36 candidates analysed from the BJP, 14(39 percent) out of 36 candidates analysed from the AITC, and 7(37 percent) out of 19 candidates analysed from the Congress have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits. Eighteen candidates have declared cases related to crime against women and three candidates have declared cases related to murder (IPC Section-302) against themselves.

About 14 candidates have declared cases related to the attempt to murder (IPC Section-307) against themselves. The report further said that 13 (36 percent) out of 36 constituencies are red alert constituencies. Red alert constituencies are those where three or more contesting candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves.

The report said out of the 284 candidates, 65 (23 percent) are crorepatis. Among the major parties, 26 (72 percent) out of 36 candidates analysed from the AITC, 11 (58 percent) out of 19 candidates analysed from the Congress, 13 (36 percent) out of 36 candidates analysed from the BJP, and 1 (8 percent) out of 13 candidates analysed from the CPI(M) have declared assets valued more than Rs 1 crore.

A total of 143 (50 percent) candidates have declared their educational qualifications to be between class 5 and 12, while 134 (47 percent) candidates have declared having an educational qualification of graduate or above. Six candidates are diploma holders and one candidate is just literate.

The report said 98 (35 percent) candidates have declared their age to be between 25 and 40 years, while 139 (49 percent) candidates have declared their age to be between 41 and 60 years. There are 47 (17 percent) candidates who have declared their age to be between 61 and 80 years.

The report said 37 (13 percent) female candidates are contesting in phase seven of the assembly polls.

First Published:Apr 21, 2021 9:16 AM IST