Jharkhand Election Phase 2: ADR Report Reveals 127 Crorepati Candidates, 148 Face Criminal Case - Read Now

Jharkhand Election Phase 2: As Jharkhand gears up for Phase 2 of its assembly elections on November 20, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has released a detailed report shedding light on the financial and criminal backgrounds of candidates. The report highlights the stark contrasts among the 522 candidates vying for 38 seats, with 127 declared crorepatis and 148 facing criminal cases.

Crorepati Candidates Dominate Phase 2

According to the ADR report, 24% of candidates in Phase 2 are crorepatis. Leading the list is Akil Akhtar, contesting from Pakur on a Samajwadi Party ticket, who has declared assets worth over ₹500 crore. His wealth includes ₹99.51 lakh in movable assets and ₹402 crore in immovable assets.

Following Akhtar are:

1. Niranjan Rai, an independent candidate from Dhanwar, with assets worth approximately ₹137 crore.
2. Mohammad Danish, contesting for the Azad Samaj Party (Kanshiram), with declared assets of around ₹32 crore.

In contrast, some candidates have declared minimal or no assets:

• Rajeshwar Mahato, an independent candidate from Silli, declared just ₹100.
• Jitendra Oraon, another independent, disclosed assets of ₹2,500.

Criminal Cases: 28% of Candidates Face Charges

The ADR report reveals that 28% of candidates have criminal cases registered against them. Out of these, 23% face serious charges, including murder, rape, and attempted murder. Key findings include:

• BJP: 44% (14 out of 32 candidates) face criminal charges, with 38% involved in serious cases.
• BSP: 33% (8 out of 24 candidates) face criminal cases, with 21% involved in serious cases.
• Congress: 42% (5 out of 12 candidates) have criminal cases, and 33% face serious allegations.
• AJSU Party: 67% (4 out of 6 candidates) face serious criminal charges.

Notably, 12 candidates have declared involvement in crimes against women, including rape. Additionally, 3 candidates face murder charges, while 34 are accused of attempted murder.

Sector-Wise Analysis: Key Observations

• High Asset Candidates: Candidates with significant wealth dominate certain constituencies, reflecting the financial disparities among contenders.
• Women’s Safety: Cases involving crimes against women raise concerns about candidate credibility and public trust.
• Political Trends: The BJP leads in candidates with criminal records, followed by the BSP and Congress, highlighting the prevalence of criminal backgrounds across major parties.

ADR Report Highlights Disparities

The ADR report serves as a critical lens to evaluate the democratic process in Jharkhand. While some candidates represent immense wealth, others contest with minimal declared assets. Moreover, the prevalence of criminal charges raises concerns about the ethical standards of political representation.

Richest Candidates: Spotlight on Akil Akhtar

Akil Akhtar, the richest candidate in Phase 2, has declared over ₹500 crore in assets, making him a standout figure in the election. His declaration surpasses other candidates by a significant margin, emphasizing the financial influence in electoral politics.

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