16 pc of candidates have self-declared criminal cases

Of 40, 11 are labeled as red alert constituencies

SRINAGAR: The upcoming Phase III of the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024 has drawn attention due to the significant presence of candidates with criminal backgrounds.
A detailed analysis conducted by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that out of the 415 candidates contesting across 40 constituencies, 67 candidates, representing 16%, have self-declared criminal cases against them. More concerning is the fact that 52 candidates, or 13%, have declared serious criminal charges.
The nature of these criminal cases includes various serious offenses, with 5 candidates facing charges related to "attempt to murder" under IPC Section 307. The report highlights that despite Supreme Court directives aimed at curbing the criminalization of politics, the report highlights that political parties continue to field candidates with tainted backgrounds.
Among major political parties, the Indian National Congress (INC) has 5 candidates (21%) with criminal cases, 3 of whom face serious charges. Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party (JKPDP) has 4 candidates (12%) with criminal cases, all of which are categorized as serious.
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has 1 candidate (3%) with both criminal and serious criminal charges. Jammu & Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) has 2 candidates (11%) with serious criminal cases.
The report also identifies 11 constituencies labeled as "Red Alert" constituencies, where three or more candidates with criminal cases are contesting. Constituencies such as Sopore, Baramulla, and Sonawari are among the highest risk, with multiple candidates from both major parties and independents facing criminal charges. This raises concerns over the potential influence of money and muscle power in these elections.