Patna: As the first phase of the Assembly elections gets underway, data from the Election Commission reveals that 1,314 candidates are contesting across 121 constituencies, of which 32 percent—around 423—have criminal records.
According to the Election Commission, all candidates with criminal backgrounds are required to publicly disclose details of their cases three times by Tuesday. The Commission is closely monitoring the compliance process to ensure transparency and to help voters make informed, unbiased choices. The disclosure norms aim to provide citizens with complete information about the conduct and background of those seeking election.
Eight Vehicles Seized for Campaign Code Violations
In a separate development, police in different districts intensified enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct. A total of eight vehicles, along with campaign materials and sound systems, were seized during checks in the Maner, Paliganj, and Sigodi police station areas.
In Maner, a Flying Squad intercepted a pickup truck near Mahinawaan carrying a political party’s campaign banner, four loudspeakers, a DJ sound system, and a generator. A case has been registered at the Maner police station.
Similarly, in Paliganj, several vehicles were found campaigning without permission near Bharatpura turn. Acting on the complaint of the Paliganj Circle Officer (CO), police seized six vehicles and registered a case.
In Sigodi, another vehicle was caught conducting unauthorized campaigning near Noniyachak. A case was filed based on the application of the Dulhinbazar CO.
Authorities have stated that strict action will continue against any violation of the election code to ensure free and fair polling.
