Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Bihar Polls: Over a Third of Candidates Face Criminal Charges, Many Wealthy
In a recent election in Bihar, India, a lot of people running to become leaders have been accused of crimes.
About one-third of all the candidates have criminal cases against them, and more than a quarter of those have very serious charges like murder or crimes against women.
It's like a rule says if you've done really bad things, you shouldn't be allowed to be a leader, but it's not always followed.
On top of that, many of these candidates are also very rich, with more than 43% having over a million dollars.
This is making people worry about who is getting into power.
Organizations that watch elections are asking for stricter rules to stop people with serious criminal records from running.
They also suggest making political parties more responsible for the candidates they choose and making the whole election process fairer.
They hope these changes will help clean up politics.
32% of candidates in the second phase of Bihar Assembly elections have declared criminal cases against them.
26% of candidates with declared criminal cases face serious charges, including murder and crimes against women.
43% of the 1,302 candidates analyzed are 'crorepatis', possessing assets worth over Rs 1 crore.
Major parties show significant percentages of candidates with criminal cases, with LJP having 100% crorepatis.
Watchdogs recommend permanent disqualification for convicted criminals and stricter scrutiny for candidates with serious charges, alongside party accountability.
- Who
- Candidates contesting the second phase of the Bihar Assembly elections.
- What
- A study revealing that 32% of candidates have declared criminal cases, with 26% facing serious charges, and 43% are 'crorepatis' (millionaires).
- When
- The study was released Tuesday; elections are on November 6 and November 11, with vote counting on November 14.
- Where
- Bihar, India.
- Why
- The analysis by ADR and National Election Watch aims to highlight systemic issues that allow individuals with criminal backgrounds and significant wealth to contest elections, prompting calls for electoral reform.
Arguments for Stricter Candidate Scrutiny
Current Realities and Systemic Challenges
Candidate Disqualification
Arguments for Stricter Candidate Scrutiny
Recommends permanent disqualification for candidates convicted of heinous crimes and disqualification for those charged with serious offenses punishable by at least five years imprisonment, with cases filed six months prior to elections.
Current Realities and Systemic Challenges
While acknowledged as a problem, the articles implicitly suggest that current systems do not effectively prevent candidates with criminal records from contesting and winning.
Political Party Accountability
Arguments for Stricter Candidate Scrutiny
Advocates for de-registering parties that knowingly field candidates with tainted backgrounds and canceling tax exemptions for parties that field such candidates.
Current Realities and Systemic Challenges
Parties, particularly major ones like Congress, BJP, and RJD, field a significant percentage of candidates with criminal cases, indicating a focus on 'winnability' over ethical considerations, which suggests a systemic acceptance or strategy rather than a direct opposing view.
Judicial and Institutional Role
Arguments for Stricter Candidate Scrutiny
Calls on the Supreme Court to reprimand political parties and politicians for their lack of will and to address the absence of required laws.
Current Realities and Systemic Challenges
The articles highlight that slow courts and weak prosecution facilitate the persistence of crime in politics, suggesting systemic weaknesses that are not actively opposed but rather exploited.
- Percentage of candidates with criminal cases (Bihar Phase 2)
- 32%
- Percentage of candidates with serious criminal cases
- 26% (of those with criminal cases)
- Definition of serious criminal cases
- Maximum punishment of 5 years or more, non-bailable, electoral offense, related to loss to exchequer, assault, murder, kidnap, rape, crimes against women.
- Percentage of candidates with assets over Rs 1 crore
- 43%
- Percentage of women candidates
- 10%
- Educational qualifications (Graduate degree or above)
- 48%
- Educational qualifications (Class 5 to Class 12)
- 41%
