27% of Bihar election candidates face serious criminal charges, 40% millionaires

Ahead of the first phase of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Bihar Election Watch have released a detailed report analysing the affidavits of candidates revealing some startling findings.

Out of 1,314 candidates, affidavits of 1,303 were analysed. Among them, 423 candidates (32%) have criminal cases against themselves, while 354 candidates (27%) face serious criminal charges. These include 33 accused of murder, 86 of attempted murder, and 42 of crimes against women. Additionally, two candidates have been charged in rape-related cases. The report underlines that the nexus between crime and politics in Bihar remains strong.

Party-wise data:

Jan Suraj Party – 50 out of 114 candidates (44%) have criminal cases.

BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party) – 18 out of 89 (20%)

RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) – 53 out of 70 (76%)

JD(U) (Janata Dal (United)) – 22 out of 57 (39%)

BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) – 31 out of 48 (65%)

AAP (Aam Aadmi Party) – 12 out of 44 (27%)

INC  (Indian National Congress) – 15 out of 23 (65%)

CPI(ML) (Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation) has 13 out of 13 (93%) candidates with criminal cases, while CPI and CPI(M) have 100% of their candidates facing such charges.

The report also notes that 519 of the 1,303 candidates (40%) are crorepatis, with an average declared asset value of ₹3.26 crore. Educationally, 519 candidates have declared their qualification between Class 5 and Class 12, while 651 candidates (50%) are graduates or postgraduates.

Overall, the report highlights a striking correlation between crime, money, and education in Bihar politics.