Of the 265 candidates for the ensuing election, 52 have criminal antecedents with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) having the highest number at 15.
According to the CEO Manipur report, there are 52 candidates with criminal antecedents in both Phase-1 and Phase-2 elections. In phase-1, 36 candidates have criminal antecedents with the BJP at 12, INC-8, NCP-3, NPP-4, JDU-7, RPI (A)- 2. And, in phase-2, 16 candidates have criminal antecedents with the BJP-3, INC-4, NCP-3, JDU-4, RPI (A)- 1, Shiv Sena-1.
However, the Association for Democratic Reforms report stated that in the phase-1 election, out of 173 candidates analysed, 37 (21%) candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves while 27 (16%) have declared serious criminal cases against themselves.
The Manipur Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analysed all affidavits of 173 candidates, who are contesting in the Manipur Assembly Election phase-1 in 38 constituencies.
Among the major parties, 11 (29%) out of 38 candidates analysed are from BJP, 7 (25%) out of 28 candidates from JD(U), 8 (23%) out of 35 candidates from INC and 3 (11%) out of 27 candidates from NPP have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.
Among the major parties, 10 (26%) out of 38 candidates analysed from BJP, 5 (18%) out of 28 candidates analysed from JD(U), 4 (11%) out of 35 candidates analysed from INC and 2 (7%) out of 27 candidates analysed from NPP have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.
Two candidates have declared cases related to crime against women. Two candidates have declared cases related to murder (IPC Section-302) against themselves. Six candidates have declared cases related to Attempt to murder (IPC Section-307) against themselves. 3 (8%) out of 38 constituencies are red alert constituencies. Red alert constituencies are those where 3 or more contesting candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves.
In the report, it stated that the directions of the Supreme Court have had no effect on the political parties in selection of candidates in Phase-I of the Manipur Assembly Elections as they have again followed their old practice of giving tickets to around 21% candidates with criminal cases. All major parties contesting in Manipur phase- I elections have given tickets to 11 % to 29 % candidates who have declared criminal cases against themselves.
Out of the 173 candidates, 91 (53%) are crorepatis. The role of money power in our elections is evident from the fact that all major political parties gave tickets to wealthy candidates. Among the major parties 21 (78%) out of 27 candidates analysed from NPP, 27 (71%) out of 38 candidates analysed from BJP, 18 (51%) out of 35 candidates analysed from INC and 14(50%) out of 28 candidates analysed from JD(U) have declared assets valued more than Rs 1 crore, report stated.
The average of assets per candidate contesting in the Manipur Assembly Elections 2022 Phase I is Rs 2.51 Crore. Among major parties, the average assets per candidate for 27 NPP candidates analysed is Rs. 3.48 Crore, 38 BJP candidates analysed Rs 2.84 Crore, 28 JD(U) candidates have average assets of Rs 2.67 Crore and 35 INC candidates have average assets worth Rs. 1.93 crore. As many as 37 (21%) candidates have declared their educational qualifications to be between 5th and 12th standard while 133 (77%) candidates have declared having an educational qualification of graduate or above. Three (Three) candidates are Diploma holders; 23 (13%) candidates have declared their age to be between 25 to 40 years while 115 (66%) candidates have declared their age to be between 41 to 60 years. There are 33 (19 %) candidates who have declared their age to be between 61 to 80 years and 2 candidates have declared they are more than 80 years old. 15 (9%) female candidates are contesting in the Manipur assembly election 2022 Phase I.
Those candidates who declared under criminal cases in phase-1 election are Sapam Kangleipal Meitei of Lamlai AC; MI Khan of Keirao AC; Mongjam Poireihenba Meitei of Lamlai AC; Thounaojam Brinda of Yaiskul AC; Khumukcham Joykishan of Thangmeiband AC; Lourembam Sanjoy of Andro AC; Thounaojam Shyamkumar of Andro AC; Tongbram Robindro of Thanga AC; Khwairakpam Robin of Sekmai AC; Karam Shyam of Langthabal AC; Oinam Nabakishore of Bishenpur AC; Oinam Lukhoi of Wangoi AC; Sorokhaibam Rajen of Lamshang AC; Sheikh Noorul Hassan of Kshetrigao AC; Nunglepam Mahananda of Uripok AC;
Lourembam Rameshswor Meitei of Keirao AC; Okram Henry of Wangkhei AC; Jotin Waikhom of Thangmeiband AC; Mairenbam Prithiviraj of Moirang AC; Sehpu Haokip of Henglep AC; Yamthong Haokip of Saikul AC; George T Haokip of Saikot AC; Akoijam Mirabai of Patsoi AC; Shanglakpam Preshyojit of Thongju AC; Nongmaithem Herojit of Konthoujam AC; Khumujam Ratankumar of Mayang Imphal AC; Thokchom Lokeshwar of Khundrakpam AC; Sapam Kunjakeswor of Patsoi AC; Salam Joy of Wangoi AC; Achoibam Deben of Lamlai AC; Keisam Ningthemjao of Andro AC; Tongbram Tony Meitei of Keirao AC; Yumnam Shanta Meitei of Keirao AC; Laitonjam Jayananda of Khurai AC; Khundrakpam Kanba Meitei of Lamsang AC; Ningthoujam Popilal of Sekmai AC and Sapam Nishikanta of Keishamthong AC.
