Overview
- The watchdog analysis, released Thursday, says about one in four phase-1 candidates have declared criminal cases.
- It counts 345 with pending cases and 294 facing serious charges, including 19 accused of murder, 105 of attempted murder, and 98 of crimes against women with six rape cases, and flags 66 seats as red alert.
- Among major parties, the BJP has the highest share with 106 of 152 nominees reporting cases, followed by TMC at 63 of 148, CPI(M) at 43 of 98, and Congress at 39 of 151.
- Money power stands out as 21% are crorepatis and average assets are Rs 1.34 crore, with TMC candidates reporting the highest average and TMC’s Jakir Hossain declaring over Rs 133 crore.
- The groups say parties ignored a 2020 Supreme Court order to justify such picks and urge the Election Commission to tighten rules, as phase-1 voting is set for April 23 with counting on May 4.