As many as 44 out of 260 candidates contesting in the second phase of Jharkhand Assembly elections, i.e. 17 percent, have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their self-sworn affidavits. The offences include murder, attempt to murder and rape.

At least four candidates have declared cases related to murder (IPC-302). Further, four candidates face charges related to crime against women, including one related to rape (IPC-375).

Besides these, at least eight have declared cases related to attempt to murder (IPC-307).

As per an analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), there are serious criminal cases against people from the major parties – three out of six candidates from the Indian National Congress and  five out of 20 candidates from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP),

Further, five out of 14 candidates from Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM), five out of 20 candidates from Jharkhand Vikas Morcha (Prajatantrik) and one out of 12 candidates from All Jharkhand Students’ Union (AJSU) Party are facing charges.

Overall, there are pending criminal cases against 67 candidates (26 per cent).

Voting in the first phase will be held on November 30, and the results will be announced on December 23.

The second phase of the five-phase elections will be held on December 7. 20 Assembly constituencies, including Jamshedpur East, Jamshedpur West, Chaibasa (ST), Khunti (ST) and Simdega (ST), will vote.

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