Wealth and Crime: The Shocking Profiles of India's Lok Sabha Candidates

An analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch reveals significant insights into the backgrounds of India's Lok Sabha candidates, including criminal records, financial status, education, and gender representation. The findings highlight an increase in both wealthy candidates and those with criminal cases.

As India awaits the results of the Lok Sabha election, a staggering 2,572 candidates have been identified as crorepatis, while 1,643 candidates have criminal cases against them, as per the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). This detailed analysis by ADR and National Election Watch has unveiled crucial insights into the candidates' profiles.

Of the 8,337 candidates analyzed out of 8,360 total contestants, 20 percent have declared criminal cases, up from 19 percent in 2019, 17 percent in 2014, and 15 percent in 2009. Notably, 14 percent face serious charges including rape, murder, and crimes against women. The financial scrutiny has shown a significant portion of the candidates are affluent, with 31 percent being crorepatis. This is a marked increase from previous elections, indicating a trend towards wealthier individuals running for office. The average assets per candidate stand at Rs 6.23 crores.

The multi-phase election, conducted from April 19 to June 1, showed varying statistics. In the initial phase, 16 percent of candidates had criminal cases with 10 percent facing serious charges, whereas by the seventh phase, these numbers rose to 22 percent and 17 percent respectively. The percentage of crorepati candidates ranged significantly, from 28 percent in Phase 1 to 39 percent in Phase 6. Vote counting will commence on June 4.