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Press Release: Analysis of Format C7 - Publication of Reasons Given for Selection of Candidates with Criminal Cases by Political Parties

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Jan 17, 2025, 3:34:33 AMJan 17

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Press Release

Date: January 17, 2025

Dear Friends,

Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has analysed Format C7 of 1286 candidates, who contested in the Maharashtra and Jharkhand Assembly Election 2024.

The full English and Hindi reports along with the detailed Observations and Recommendations can be accessed here: https://adrindia.org/content/Analysis-of-Format-C-Publication-of-Reasons-Given-for-Selection-of-Candidates-with-Criminal-Cases-by-Political-Parties-Jharkhand-and-Maharashtra-Assembly-Elections-2024

Summary and Highlights

This data has been compiled from political parties' websites as well as social media handles that were functional before and during the period of the above-mentioned State assembly elections. Most political parties published details as per form C7 on their social media handles such as Twitter. It must be noted that in some cases, parties may have published these details elsewhere and it may not have appeared in our records.

S.No.	Elections	Total Contesting Candidates	Number of Political Parties Analysed	Contesting Candidates from Shortlisted Political Parties	Number of Candidates Analysed with Declared Criminal Cases	No. of Candidates with Criminal Cases having a Published Format C7
1	Maharashtra Assembly 2024	4136	11	1052	503	355
2	Jharkhand Assembly 2024	1211	9	234	105	84
Total		5347	20*	1286	608	439

Analysis of Format C7 – Maharashtra Assembly Elections, 2024

Political parties analysed:

In the Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024, out of 158 political parties which contested the election, the following 11 political parties have been analysed for this report.

1. Bharatiya Janata Party

2. Bahujan Samaj Party

3. Indian National Congress

4. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena

5. Nationalist Congress Party

6. Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar

7. Shiv Sena

8. Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)

9. Rashtriya Samaj Paksha

10. Samajwadi Party

11. All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen

Criminal Background

Candidates with Criminal Cases: Out of 1052 contesting candidates analysed, 503 (48%) candidates belonging to the aforementioned political parties have declared criminal cases against themselves.

Candidates with Serious Criminal Cases: Out of 1052 contesting candidates analysed belonging to the aforementioned political parties, 335 (32%) have declared serious criminal cases against themselves.

Reasons furnished for nominating candidates with criminal antecedents:

Out of 503 candidates with criminal cases, reasons have been furnished for 355 (71%) candidates.
Out of 335 candidates with serious criminal cases, reasons have been furnished for 243 (73%) candidates.
For 148 (29%) candidates with criminal background, no reasons for their selection have been provided by political parties.
Format C7 has been published for 1 candidate even though no criminal cases have been reflected in the affidavit filed by him. This demonstrates carelessness, insincerity and extremely casual approach on the part of the political parties in adhering to the directions of the Supreme Court and ECI

S.No.	District	Constituency	Candidate	Party	No. of cases	Serious IPC counts	Reasons for selection of candidate with criminal cases pending	Reasons as to why other individuals without criminal antecedents could not be selected
1	Pune	Khadakwasala	Wanjale Mayuresh Ramesh	MNS	0	0	Candidate Mayuresh Ramesh Wanjale has very strong administrative capacity. And looking at his experience he has been chosen.	All other names who were aspirants, did not have any relevant experience in public life to hold such a senior post.

Reasons given for top 5 candidates with highest number of total criminal cases pending:

S.No.	District	Constituency	Candidate	Party	No. of cases	Serious IPC Counts	Serious BNS Counts	Reasons for selection of candidate with criminal cases pending	Reasons as to why other individuals without criminal antecedents could not be selected
1	Pune	Baramati	Ajit Anantrao Pawar	NCP	40	20	0	A Dynamic leader and visionary, he has been in touch with farmers and others. He is known for his straightforward and down to earth approach. He has held many positions and is a problem solver who first understands how his decisions will affect the people at all levels. He is dedicated to the development of Maharashtra and its people.	All other names who were aspirants did not have any relevant experience in public life to hold such a senior post.
2	Sindhudurg	Kankavli	Nitesh Narayan Rane	BJP	38	31	35	Candidate Nitesh Narayan Rane is Senior Legislator. He has very strong administrative capacity. Looking at his experience he has been chosen.	All other names who were aspirants did not have any relevant experience in public life to hold such a senior post.
3	Satara	Phaltan (Sc)	Digamber Rohidas Agawane	Rashtriya Samaj Paksha	35	79	0	Digamber Rohidas Aagwane is a very influential leader & social worker. Always stand for the poor people and are always ready to serve them and raise their voice for justice and rights. He has done a lot of social work due to which he has gained immense respect and popularity in mass. Rashtriya Samaj Paksha has made him its candidate from 255 Phaltan (SC).	Because Digamber Rohidas Aagwane is better than other applicants.
4	Pune	Purandar	Sanjay Chandukaka Jagtap	INC	27	0	1	Shri Sanjay Chandukaka Jagtap is representing 202 Purandar Vidhan Sabha as MLA since 2019 and is the Pune District President of Indian National Congress Party and has been selected because of his long experience in administration and cooperative sector.	This candidate has been selected as all other aspirants have less experience in public works. Enjoys good administrative and work experience in public life.
5	Nagpur	Nagpur Central	Bunty Baba Shelke	INC	26	8	0	The candidate is a young and dedicated social worker, who has done good work in social justice and upliftment of poor and downtrodden people of his constituency specially during COVID-19 and is serving in the constituency for more than the last 20 years. The candidate has served the party on different posts such as National General Secretary of Indian Youth Congress, In-charge of Karnataka Youth Congress amongst others	The majority cases registered against the candidate are politically motivated cases. The candidate enjoys popularity among the youth, has been dedicated to the organization and enjoys support from within the party and among common people. The candidate is also a former Corporator from Nagpur Municipal Corporation, Nagpur.

Table: Reasons given for top 5 candidates with highest number of total criminal cases pending

Most commonly stated reasons by political parties for selection of candidates with criminal cases pending:

Reasons for selection of candidate with criminal cases pending	Reasons as to why other individuals without criminal antecedents could not be selected
The candidate is Senior Legislator. He has very strong administrative capacity. Looking at his experience he has been chosen.	All other names who were aspirants did not have any relevant experience in public life to hold such a senior post.
In comparison to the other candidates and their history, it was found to be suitable being the candidate has stated that false FIR has been lodged against him	The offences are not grave; one seems to be based on political Vendetta. His image was supported by the local office bearers of the party as clean and good.
The candidate comes from a background in public service and has been committed to the ideals of the party. Has been dedicated to the party organization for a long time and has been working for the people of the constituency.	Candidate has a good image in the constituency and is a promising face among the masses.
Candidate has very strong administrative capacity. and looking at his experience he has been chosen.	All other names who were aspirants, did not have any relevant experience in public life to hold such a senior post.
The candidate is the young and energetic leadership of the district. Growing up in a middle-class family, one is aware of the struggle of living in a middle-class family.	All the cases against the candidate have been registered due to the agitation for public questions. A candidate who is popular among the masses and has the ability to stand up and lead by himself has not been found. Therefore, no other candidate was selected.

Table: Most commonly stated reasons by political parties for selection of candidates with criminal cases pending

Political parties that did not publish reasons for selection of candidates with criminal cases pending*:

Political Party	Total no. of contesting candidates with criminal cases pending	No. of Candidates without Format C7	Percentage of candidates without Format C7
NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar	51	51	100%
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)	63	63	100%
Rashtriya Samaj Paksha	24	19	79%
NCP	32	3	9%
All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen	13	1	8%
Shiv Sena	52	3	6%
BSP	26	1	4%
BJP	102	3	3%
INC	59	2	3%
MNS	76	2	3%
SP	5	0	0%

Table: Political parties that did not publish Format C7 for candidates with criminal cases pending

*At the time of making this report, format C7 data of some political parties was not available on the websites and social media handles. However, it may have been posted earlier by the parties and removed later.

Top 3 candidates with highest criminal cases whose reasons for selection have not been published:

S.No.	Constituency	Candidate	Party	Total Cases
1	Ulhasnagar	Omie Pappu Kalani	NCP-Sharadchandra Pawar	15
2	Malegaon Outer	Advay (Aaba) Prashant Hiray	Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)	14
3	Sangola	Dipakaba Bapusaheb Salunkhe	Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray)	14

Table: Top 3 candidates with highest criminal cases whose reasons for selection have not been published

Other discrepancies in Format C7 of some candidates:

Financial Background

Crorepati Candidates: Out of the 503 candidates with declared criminal cases, 418 (83%) are crorepatis.

High Assets Declared: Highest declared total assets of top 3 candidates, along with details of their criminal cases pending:

S.No.	Candidate	Party	District	Constituency	Cases Total	Serious IPC/BNS Counts	Total Assets (Rs.)
1	Prashant Ramsheth Thakur	BJP	Raigad	Panvel	10	0	4,75,85,39,330 475 Crore+
2	Mangal Prabhat Lodha	BJP	Mumbai City	Malabar Hill	2	1	4,47,09,23,931 447 Crore+
3	Pratap Baburao Sarnaik	Shiv Sena	Thane	Ovala Majiwada	9	5	3,33,32,95,113 333 Crore+

Table: Top 3 candidates having highest declared assets with criminal cases pending

Analysis of Format C7 – Jharkhand Assembly Elections, 2024

Political parties analysed:

In the Jharkhand 2024 Assembly Elections, out of 73 political parties which contested the election, the following 9 political parties have been analysed for this report.

1. Bharatiya Janata Party

2. Indian National Congress

3. Bahujan Samaj Party

4. Communist Party of India (Marxist–Leninist) Liberation

5. Janata Dal (United)

6. Jharkhand Mukti Morcha

7. Rashtriya Janata Dal

8. Samajwadi Party

9. All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen

Criminal Background

Candidates with Criminal Cases: Out of 234 contesting candidates analysed, 105 (45%) candidates belonging to the aforementioned political parties have declared criminal cases against themselves.

Candidates with Serious Criminal Cases: Out of 234 contesting candidates analysed belonging to the aforementioned political parties, 82 (35%) have declared serious criminal cases against themselves.

Reasons furnished for nominating candidates with criminal antecedents:

Out of 105 candidates with criminal cases, reasons have been furnished for 84 (80%) candidates.
Out of 82 candidates with serious criminal cases, reasons have been furnished for 66 (80%) candidates.
For 21 (20%) candidates with criminal background, no reasons for their selection have been provided by political parties.

Reasons given for top 3 candidates with highest number of total criminal cases pending:

S.No.	District	Constituency	Candidate	Party	Cases Total	Serious IPC Counts	Serious BNS Counts	Reasons for selection of candidate with criminal cases pending	Reasons as to why other individuals without criminal antecedents could not be selected
1	Giridih	Dhanwar	Babu Lal Marandi	BJP	15	29	9	Shri Babulal Marandi is a dedicated individual with deep understanding and relentless efforts in social service. They have built strong relationships, earned trust, and achieved significant positive changes in the community, making them the best choice to represent the constituency.	As a dedicated party worker, he had an edge over other individuals, considering the fact that whatever charges were alleged in the FIR has no substance and were purely with a vindictive approach and personal vendetta being waged by his political opponents. The concerned 17 cases are registered with reason of waging public protest and the party believes that there will be no adverse outcome against the alleged accused.
2	Hazaribagh	Barhi	Manoj Kumar Yadav	BJP	12	4	13	Shri Manoj Kumar Yadav is a highly dedicated individual who has tirelessly devoted their time and efforts to social service in the constituency for many years. They have a deep understanding of the needs and challenges of the people and have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all members of the community. They have built strong relationships with the voters, establishing a genuine and positive rapport with them, and have earned their trust and respect. Their unwavering commitment to the betterment of the community is reflected in their track record of achievements and the numerous positive changes they have brought about. We are confident that they are the best choice to represent the constituency and will continue to serve the people with passion, dedication and integrity.	As a dedicated party worker, he had an edge over other individuals, considering the fact that whatever charges were alleged in the FIR has no substance and were purely with a vindictive approach and personal vendetta being waged by his political opponents. The concerned 11 cases are registered with reason of waging public protest and the party believes that there will be no adverse outcome against the alleged accused.
3	Palamu	Bishrampur	Rajesh Mehta	BSP	10	15	0	In comparison to the other candidates and their history, it was found to be suitable being the candidate has stated that false FIR has been lodged against him	The offences are to be based on political Vendetta. His image supported by the local office bearers of the party as clean and good.

Table: Reasons given for top 3 candidates with highest number of total criminal cases pending

Most commonly stated reasons by political parties for selection of candidates with criminal cases pending:

Reasons for selection of candidate with criminal cases pending	Reasons as to why other individuals without criminal antecedents could not be selected
In comparison to the other candidates and their history, it was found to be suitable being the candidate has stated that false FIR has been lodged against him	The offences are to be based on political Vendetta. His image supported by the local office bearers of the party as clean and good.
He is a dedicated individual with deep understanding and relentless efforts in social service. They have built strong relationships, earned trust, and achieved significant positive changes in the community, making them the best choice to represent the constituency.	The Party has carefully chosen the current candidate as the most qualified to represent the constituency, believing in their skills and dedication to serve the people and uphold BJP values. With confidence in their ability to bring about positive change, the party stands by its decision to field this candidate for the betterment of the constituency.
He stays connected with the people of the constituency and attends their problems. He is meritorious and had achievements during his tenure as Social Worker. He is well qualified.	We found no other party functionary more meritorious and people friendly who listens to people and solves their problem so quickly.
The selected candidate is young, earnest, educated, sincere and dedicated towards the party as well as the candidate has a very good reputation in the society as he is doing social work at large scale in his area.	Better than other applicant.

Table: Most commonly stated reasons by political parties for selection of candidates with criminal cases pending

Political parties that did not publish reasons for selection of candidates with criminal cases pending*:

Political Party	Total no. of contesting candidates with criminal cases pending	No. of Candidates without Format C7	Percentage of candidates without Format C7
JMM	16	16	100%
SP	7	3	43%
All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen	3	1	33%
BJP	34	1	3%
BSP	16	0	0%
CPI(ML)(L)	4	0	0%
INC	18	0	0%
JD(U)	2	0	0%
RJD	5	0	0%

Table: Political parties that did not publish Format C7 for candidates with criminal cases pending

Top 3 candidates with highest criminal cases whose reasons for selection have not been published:

S.No.	Constituency	Candidate	Party	Total Cases
1	Silli	Amit Kumar	JMM	8
2	Barhait (ST)	Hemant Soren	JMM	5
3	Baghmara	Suraj Mahato	SP	4

Table: Top 3 candidates with highest criminal cases whose reasons for selection have not been published

Other discrepancies in Format C7 of some candidates:

Financial Background

Crorepati Candidates: Out of the 105 candidates with declared criminal cases, 80 (76%) are crorepatis.
High Assets Declared: Highest declared total assets of top 3 candidates, along with details of their criminal cases pending:

S.No.	Candidate	Constituency	Party	Cases Total	Serious IPC Counts	Total Assets
1	Krishna Nand Tripathi	Daltonganj	INC	4	1	70,91,26,167 70 Crore+
2	Ajoy Kumar	Jamshedpur East	INC	1	2	43,76,26,439 43 Crore+
3	Munna Singh	Hazaribagh	INC	3	0	41,38,90,063 41 Crore+