Despite Supreme Court order, political parties continue to field tainted candidates : ADR Report
Biznextindia : Despite Supreme Court orders, Political parties have continued to give tickets to candidates with criminal cases. In the ongoing election in West Bengal almost all major parties have fielded candidates with criminal cases against them.
According to the report by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), in the fourth phase election, about 22% candidates have criminal cases. Similarly, in phase 1-3, average 25% candidates have criminal cases.
In the fourth phase election, BJP has fielded maximum 27 candidates with criminal cases. The BJP is followed by AITC with 17 candidates and CPI(M) with 16 candidates. Also, out of BJP’s 27 tainted candidates, 24 have serious criminal cases. Similarly, all the 17 tainted candidates of AITC have serious criminal cases.
“The directions of the Supreme Court have had no effect on the political parties in selection of candidates in Phase IV of the West Bengal Assembly Elections as they have again followed their old practice of giving tickets to around 22% candidates with criminal cases. All major parties contesting in West Bengal phase IV elections have given tickets ranging from 22% to 73% candidates who have declared criminal cases against themselves” said ADR report.
In its 13th February 2020,the Supreme Court had instructed political parties to publish entire criminal history of their candidates for Assembly and Lok Sabha elections. The apex court had also instructed the parties to mention the reasons for selection of such candidates.