Positive correlation between average asset and criminal record of candidates in Bihar election: ADR Report

The study conducted by the Association of Democratic Reform (ADR) and Bihar Election Watch (BEW) deduced a positive correlation between average financial asset of election candidate and criminal records against them. Average asset of total candidates stands at 1.09 crore, where that of MLAs or MPs with serious criminal records against them observed at 3.01 crore, over 2.7 times.

Among major political parties, Indian National Congress (INC) MLAs/MPs with serious criminal records have the largest amount of average asset, 6.29 crore. Followed by Bharatiya Janata Party (3.46 crore) and Rashtriya Janata Dal with 2.32 crore. However, the average asset of BSP MLAs/MPs who had the greatest number of candidates in the previous 15 years are observed as comparatively low,18.76 lacks. Average asset of the total candidate is found to be as below half of the average asset of MLAs/MPs of Bihar, 1.09 crore and 2.25 crore respectively.

Gender wise analysis of the study highlighted higher average asset for female candidates and elected members than their male counterpart. Even though during the time period of 2005-19 only 7 per cent of total election candidates were women, 779 out of 10785.

ARD analysis of current MLAs drawn the fact that 57 per cent of them have criminal cases against them and 67 per cent of them are millionaires. The study analysed all 10785 candidates in Bihar elections during the time period 2005-19 and data collected from the affidavits submitted by candidates for nomination papers to Election Commission of India.