About 23 per cent of candidates contesting the Puducherry Assembly elections have declared criminal cases, while 41 per cent are crorepatis, according to a report released on Monday by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
The ADR analysed affidavits of 291 out of 294 candidates contesting the 30 seats, with polling scheduled for April 9 and results due on May 4. Of the total candidates, 34 are from national parties, 63 from state parties, 80 from registered unrecognised parties, and 117 are Independents.
The report found that 66 candidates (23 per cent) have declared criminal cases against their names, an increase from 54 (17 per cent) in the 2021 elections. Of these, 38 candidates (13 per cent) face serious criminal charges, up from 28 (9 per cent) in the previous polls.
Among major parties, 3 of 21 candidates from the Congress, 4 of 16 from the All India NR Congress (AINR), 6 of 12 from the DMK, and 5 of 10 candidates from the BJP have declared criminal cases in their affidavits. Three candidates face cases related to crimes against women, while two have been booked under IPC Section 302 in murder cases.
“The major political parties have given tickets to 14-50 per cent candidates who face criminal cases,” the ADR said, raising concerns over candidate selection practices.
The report also referred to a February 13, 2020 order of the Supreme Court of India directing political parties to disclose reasons for fielding candidates with criminal backgrounds instead of those with clean records. The ADR noted that in recent elections, parties had cited “unfounded” reasons such as “popularity” or claims that cases were politically motivated.
“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,” the ADR said.
On financial disclosures, the report stated that 119 candidates (41 per cent) are crorepatis, a sharp rise from 74 (23 per cent) in 2021. Among major parties, 17 of 21 Congress candidates, all 16 AINR nominees, 11 of 12 DMK candidates, and all 10 BJP candidates have declared assets exceeding Rs 1 crore.
The total assets of the 291 candidates analysed stand at Rs 2,099 crore, with an average of Rs 7.21 crore per candidate, underscoring the growing influence of wealth in electoral contests.
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