Mon Jan 27 20:29:59 UTC 2025: ## Delhi Assembly Election Candidates: BJP Nominee Richest, Criminal Cases Remain High

**New Delhi, January 28, 2025** – The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) released a report Monday revealing the financial and criminal backgrounds of the 699 candidates contesting the upcoming February 5th Delhi Assembly elections. The report highlights significant disparities in candidate wealth and a continued prevalence of candidates with criminal records.

Karnail Singh, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for Shakur Basti, boasts assets totaling ₹259 crore, making him the wealthiest candidate in the race. Five candidates declared assets exceeding ₹100 crore, with the BJP fielding the most (5) among the top 10 wealthiest. In contrast, 222 candidates (31.76%) reported assets under ₹10 lakh, and three independent candidates declared zero assets. The average candidate asset value rose to ₹5.65 crore, up from ₹4.34 crore in 2020.

The report also reveals a concerning trend: the three major parties—Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Congress, and BJP—continue to nominate candidates with criminal records. AAP leads with 29 candidates facing serious criminal charges, followed by Congress (13) and BJP (9). The ADR notes that despite Supreme Court directives, approximately 19% of candidates have criminal cases, mirroring previous election cycles. The age range of candidates remains largely consistent, with most (235) falling between 41 and 50 years old.

The total combined assets of all candidates amounts to ₹3,952 crore. The report underscores a lack of change in candidate selection practices by major parties despite previous calls for reform.

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