Shillong, Nov 5: Over 40% of the candidates in the Bihar Assembly elections are crorepatis, according to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
The ADR analysis found 42% crorepatis, an increase from 33% in 2020. Incumbent Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has the second-highest assets, valued at over Rs 250 crore. JD(U) and RJD have the highest number of crorepati contestants.
“The role of money power in our elections is evident from the fact that all major political parties give tickets to wealthy candidates. Among the major parties 167 (72%) out of 231 candidates analysed from Jan Suraaj Party, 127 (91%) out of 140 candidates analysed from RJD, 88 (87%) out of 101 candidates analysed from BJP, 92 (91%) out of 101 candidates analysed from JD(U), 49 (82%) out of 60 candidates analysed from the Congress, 57 (32%) out of 180 candidates analysed from BSP, 25(89%) out of 28 candidates analysed from Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), 26(31%) out of 83 candidates analysed from AAP, 5(25%) out of 20 candidates analysed from CPI(ML)(L), 5(56%) out of 9 candidates analysed from CPI and 3(75%) out of 4 candidates analysed from CPI(M) have declared assets valued more than Rs 1 crore,” said the ADR report.
Besides, 32% of the contestants have criminal cases against them, with 27% facing serious criminal charges.
Among the major parties,108(47%) out of 231 candidates analysed from Jan Suraaj Party, 35(19%) out of 180 candidates analysed from BSP, 91 (65%) out of 140 candidates analysed from RJD, 61 (60%) out of 101 candidates analysed from BJP, 36(36%) out of 101 candidates analysed from JD(U), 24(29%) out of 83 candidates analysed from AAP, 40(67%) out of 60 candidates analysed from INC, 16(57%) out of 28 candidates analysed from Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), 18(90%) out of 20 candidates analysed from CPI(ML)(L), 7(78%) out of 9 candidates analysed from CPI and 4 (100%) out of 4 candidates analysed from CPI(M) have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.
