Out of the 8337 candidates analysed in Lok Sabha Elections 2024, 1643 (20%) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves. Out of the 7928 candidates analysed during Lok Sabha Election in 2019, 1500 (19%) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves.
Out of 8205 candidates analysed during Lok Sabha elections in 2014, 1404(17%) candidates had declared criminal cases against themselves. Out of 7810 candidates analysed during Lok Sabha elections in 2009, 1158(15%) candidates had declared criminal cases against themselves.
This was announced by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch, who have analysed the self-sworn affidavits of 8337 out of 8360 candidates, who are contesting in the Lok Sabha 2024 Elections Phases I to VII.
Out of 8360 contesting candidates, 1333 are from National parties, 532 are from State parties, 2580 are from registered unrecognized parties and 3915 candidates are contesting independently.
There are 751 political parties contesting in Lok Sabha Elections 2024 whereas 677 political parties contested in 2019, 464 political parties contested in 2014 and 368 political parties contested in 2009 Lok Sabha Elections. It implies that there has been an increase of 104% in the number of political parties from 2009 to 2024.
1191 (14%) candidates contesting in Lok Sabha Elections 2024 have declared serious criminal cases including charges related to rape, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, crimes against women etc. Out of 7928 candidates analysed during Lok Sabha elections in 2019, 1070(13%) candidates had declared serious criminal cases against themselves.
Out of 8205 candidates analysed during Lok Sabha elections in 2014, 908(11%) candidates had declared serious criminal cases against themselves. Out of 7810 candidates analysed during Lok Sabha elections in 2009, 608(8%) candidates had declared serious criminal cases against themselves.