Wed Nov 20 01:38:03 UTC 2024: ## Maharashtra Assembly Elections: Shocking Number of Candidates with Criminal Records

**Mumbai, October 19:** A shocking revelation has emerged just before the Maharashtra Assembly elections, scheduled for Wednesday. According to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), a significant percentage of the nearly 4,000 candidates contesting have serious criminal charges against them.

The ADR analysis of the candidates’ affidavits reveals that 19% face grave accusations, including rape, assault on women, murder, and attempted murder. A further 29% have various other criminal charges pending against them. Adding to the concern, 38% of the candidates are crorepatis (millionaires).

The Supreme Court and Election Commission have ordered all political parties to explain why they are nominating candidates with criminal backgrounds. This order aims to curb the increasing criminalization of politics.

Of the 4,136 candidates contesting across 288 constituencies (including 204 women), 490 represent national parties, 496 represent regional parties, and 2,870 are independents. The ADR report highlights that a disturbing 68% of BJP candidates have criminal records, followed by Shiv Sena (Thackeray) at 66%, Shiv Sena (Shinde) at 64%, Nationalist Congress Party (Sharad Pawar) at 61%, Congress at 58%, and Nationalist Congress Party (Ajit Pawar) at 54%. A total of 50 candidates face charges related to violence against women, and 23 face rape accusations. Further, 48 candidates lack even a simple PAN card, and 47% have only completed their 12th-grade education, with 47% holding graduate or postgraduate degrees. A shocking 10 candidates are illiterate. The findings raise serious questions about the integrity and accountability of the candidates contesting the upcoming elections.

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