332 candidates have criminal cases in Odisha Assembly polls

Bhubaneswar: A total of 332 candidates contesting in the Odisha Assembly polls have criminal cases, with 257 serious and seven convicted, said a report.

According to the National Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) report, nine candidates have declared cases related to murder, 63 attempt to murder, 17 kidnapping, 63 crime against women, 17 cases related to kidnapping and two have declared cases related to rape.

The report has analysed the self-sworn affidavits of 1121 out of 1137 candidates who are contesting in the elections being held in four phases.

Out of the 1121 candidates analysed in 2019, 332 (30%) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves.

58 (40%) out of 146 candidates from BJD, 86 (59%) out of 145 candidates from BJP, 64 (46%) out of 139 candidates from Congress, 12(11%) out of 106 candidates fielded by BSP and 67 (23%) out of 298 Independent candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

40 (27%) out of 146 candidates from BJD, 67 (46%) out of 145 candidates from BJP, 48 (35%) out of 139 candidates from INC, 11(10%) out of 106 candidates fielded by BSP and 55 (19%) out of 298 Independent candidates have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

Out of 1420 candidates analysed during Odisha Assembly elections in 2014, 333(23%) candidates had declared criminal cases against themselves.

Out of 1261 candidates analysed during Odisha Assembly elections in 2009, 292(23%) candidates had declared criminal cases against themselves.