Patna: In the second phase of the Bihar assembly elections, nearly half of all candidates are crorepatis and one-third face criminal cases, according to a fresh analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Bihar Election Watch.
The groups analysed affidavits of 1,297 of the 1,302 candidates running across 122 constituencies in 20 districts. Of these candidates, 43% reported assets exceeding ₹1 crore, while 48% were graduates or held higher qualifications. Women accounted for just 10% (133) of the total contestants.
The ADR report shows that 415 candidates (32%) have criminal cases pending against them, with 341 (26%) facing serious charges. These include 193 candidates accused of murder, 79 of attempted murder, and 52 of offences against women. Three candidates have declared rape cases against them.
Parties with the highest share of serious criminal cases
The report highlights notable disparities across parties. Serious criminal cases have been declared by:
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Jan Suraj Party: 51 of 117 candidates (44%)
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BSP: 12 of 91 (13%)
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RJD: 27 of 70 (39%)
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BJP: 22 of 53 (42%)
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JDU: 11 of 44 (25%)
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Congress: 20 of 37 (54%)
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LJP (Ram Vilas): 9 of 15 (60%)
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CPI (ML): 4 of 6 (76%)
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CPI: 2 of 4 (50%)
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CPM: 1 of 1 (100%)
Age profile of the candidates
The second phase also features a predominantly middle-aged field of candidates. ADR found that:
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445 candidates (34%) are aged 25–40
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680 candidates (52%) are aged 41–60
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170 candidates (13%) are aged 61–80
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Two candidates are above 80
