Politics / Despite SC orders, Political Parties Choose Candidates with Criminal Cases in Guj By-elections

• Winnability cannot be the criteria – SC 
• ADR and GEW demands to take action for SC order

14 (18%) of the candidates have declared that they have criminal cases against them. Out of 14, 7 have serious cases registered against them. Two candidates have charges of Attempt to Murder. (IPC 307)

On the 6th of March, SC gave orders that if political parties are selecting candidates with criminal background for the elections, they have to declare the details along with reasons for selection of that candidate on the website including social media platforms within 48 hours of the selection of the candidates. 

It is noteworthy that SC has also told that winnability can not be the criteria for selection, and political parties are obligated to consider criteria such as education, merits, achievements, etc. 

Two national parties have not paid much attention to the SC order and the ECI directions issued thereafter, and have selected candidates with criminal backgrounds. 

In a report submitted to ECI, parties have said that since the specific candidate is popular, is involved in social work, and charges filed against him are not that serious, therefore they have selected the particular candidate over other candidates who had applied for nominations. 

Abdasa and Karjan are the two constituencies wherein, there are 3 or more candidates with criminal backgrounds, thus they are declared as Red Alert constituencies. 
   
25% of candidates have a net worth of more than 10 million rupees. INC has 75% of its candidates, who possess assets above one crore. On the other hand, all 100% of candidates of BJP own more than one crore worth of assets. 9 candidates have not submitted PAN Card. (all independent candidates) 

Statistically speaking, only 3(4%) candidates are female. 36% of the candidates are below 40 years. 48% of candidates age between 41 to 60 years and 16% of candidates are above 60 years.