May 27th 2024.
Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is bustling with excitement as the state gears up for the Assembly elections. This year, a total of 1,285 candidates have filed their nomination papers, out of which 1,283 have been analyzed by the Association for Democratic Reforms and Odisha Election Watch. These candidates are vying for the 147 MLA seats in the state, with the elections being held from May 13 to June 1.
Interestingly, out of the 1,283 candidates analyzed, a whopping 412 are 'crorepatis'. This means that they have declared assets worth more than Rs 1 crore in their self-sworn affidavits. Comparing this figure to the previous Assembly elections in 2019, where only 304 out of 1,121 candidates were 'crorepatis', it is clear that the number has significantly increased.
The ADR report reveals that out of the 412 'crorepati' candidates, 128 belong to the ruling party BJD, 96 are from BJP, 88 from Congress, and 11 from AAP. It is also interesting to note that the average assets of candidates contesting the 2024 Assembly elections stand at Rs 2.89 crore, which is a significant increase from the 2019 figure of Rs 1.69 crore.
Among the 'crorepati' candidates, former Coal Minister Dilip Ray, who is contesting from the Rourkela Assembly segment on a BJP ticket, has emerged as the richest candidate with assets worth Rs 313.53 crore. Following him closely is BJD candidate Sanatan Mahakud from Champua segment with assets worth Rs 181.85 crore. The third spot is occupied by BJD candidate Subasini Jena from Basta Assembly segment, who has declared assets worth Rs 135.17 crore.
On the other hand, there are also some candidates who have declared zero or nil assets in their affidavits. There are a total of five such candidates, including independent candidates Ramesh Kumar Mahanand, Sohan Sipka, and Sanjay Kumar Das, BSP candidate Purna Chandra Majhi, and Ambedkarite Party of India's Gopal Krushna Mohanty.
Out of the 1,283 candidates analyzed, 103 are re-contesting in the Assembly polls, with 74 belonging to BJD, 21 to BJP, five to Congress, two being independents, and one from CPI. The report also reveals that 348 candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves, with 292 facing serious criminal charges. This is a concerning figure, especially when compared to the 2019 elections where 332 out of 1,121 candidates had declared criminal cases against themselves.
Furthermore, the report also sheds light on the educational qualifications of the candidates. Out of the total 1,283 candidates, 566 have an educational qualification between Class-V and XII, 652 are graduates or above, 51 have a diploma, 12 are literate, and two are illiterates.
In terms of age, the majority of the candidates fall in the 41 to 60 years age group, with 760 candidates. This is followed by 333 candidates in the 25-40 age group, 188 candidates in the 61 to 80 years age group, and two candidates above the age of 80.
Lastly, it is disheartening to note that out of the 1,283 candidates, only 178 are women. This is a meager number compared to the 2019 Assembly elections where 112 women had contested. It is important for more women to come forward and participate in the democratic process to ensure equal representation in the government.
As the state eagerly awaits the election results, it is clear that this year's Assembly elections in Odisha have seen a significant increase in 'crorepati' candidates, criminal cases, and candidates with higher educational qualifications. It is important for the citizens to stay informed and make an informed decision while exercising their right to vote.
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