ADR: 14% of Assam candidates have criminal cases, 11% serious
India
Assam's assembly elections are coming up, and a new ADR report shows that 14% of the 722 candidates have criminal cases against them, slightly down from last time.
Out of these, 11% face serious charges.
AIUDF has the highest percentage of candidates declaring criminal records, while Congress has the most in absolute numbers.
AIUDF 37% leads, BJP 9% serious
Congress has 28% of its candidates with criminal cases, while AIUDF leads at 37%.
BJP is lower at 9%, but all its cases are serious ones.
Worryingly, two candidates face charges related to crimes against women, and eight are accused in murder cases.
The numbers highlight how legal troubles remain common among those running for office in Assam.