Bihar presents an interesting picture for outside observers. In the ongoing Assembly polls what is most striking is criminal record of candidates being fielded by political parties. As per the affidavits submitted to the Election Commission of India, no party appears to be free of candidate with criminal history. Criminal history varies from murder, rape, dacoits, communal riots etc. According to the Association for Democratic Reforms, which analyzed the affidavits , out of all the 776 candidates in fray of fourth phase, 253 (33%) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves. Party wise Candidates with serious criminal cases: 20 (48%) out of 42 candidates from BJP,10 (48%) out of 21 candidates from CPI, 13 (25%) out of 53 candidates from BSP, 12 (57%) out of 21 candidates fielded by JD(U), 12 (29%) out of 41 candidates from SP, 10 (38%) out of 26 candidates of RJD, 2 (25%) out of 8 candidates fielded by INC, 11 (33%) out of 33 candidates of Garib Janata Dal (Secular) along with 10 (56%) out of 18 candidates of the CPI(ML) (L) and 53 (20%) out of 265 Independent candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.
With regard to serious criminal cases, 20 (48%) out of 42 candidates from BJP,10 (48%) out of 21 candidates from CPI, 13 (25%) out of 53 candidates from BSP, 12 (57%) out of 21 candidates fielded by JD(U), 12 (29%) out of 41 candidates from SP, 10 (38%) out of 26 candidates of RJD, 2 (25%) out of 8 candidates fielded by INC, 11 (33%) out of 33 candidates of Garib Janata Dal (Secular) along with 10 (56%) out of 18 candidates of the CPI(ML) (L) and 53 (20%) out of 265 Independent candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.
Of the criminal charges, 201 (26%) candidates have declared serious criminal cases including cases related to murder, attempt to murder, communal disharmony, kidnapping, crimes against women etc. As for murder charges, 16 candidates have declared cases related to murder (Indian Penal Code Section-302). 14 candidates have declared cases related to robbery and dacite while 10 candidates have cases related to kidnapping.
