Forum for Good Governance Exposes Alarming Crime Statistics in Telangana Assembly Elections
Hyderabad, November 21, 2023 — As Telangana braces for the November 30 Assembly elections, a stark reality comes to the forefront. The Forum for Good Governance reveals a deeply concerning trend: out of the 360 candidates vying for 119 seats, a staggering 226 candidates have criminal records.
This thorough analysis, conducted by a specialized committee, brings to light a range of offenses, including cases recorded during political movements, ongoing cases, and instances pending for years. The numbers speak volumes, underscoring the urgency of addressing the issue.
The potential consequences are significant — if a majority of these 226 candidates secure victory, the next legislature could be dominated by individuals with criminal backgrounds. The Forum emphasizes the need for voters to be cognizant of these figures and to consider the implications for the democratic process.
Critically, the Forum for Good Governance condemns political parties for seemingly prioritizing electoral success over ethical considerations. The higher allocation of tickets to candidates with criminal backgrounds raises serious questions about the integrity of the democratic process.
In the wake of a Supreme Court petition regarding individuals with criminal records participating in elections, the Forum advocates for increased transparency. They urge political parties to provide clear justifications when fielding candidates with criminal records. Furthermore, the Forum stresses the need for disseminating details of candidates’ criminal records through newspapers to ensure public awareness.
Attached to this press release is a detailed table highlighting the number of cases registered against candidates from each party, offering a stark representation of the extent of the issue. M. Padmanabha Reddy, President of the Forum for Good Governance, underscores the importance of voters making informed decisions to elect individuals committed to good governance.
Analysis Reveals Party-wise Breakdown of Candidates with Criminal Records in Recent Elections
In a recent analysis of the electoral landscape, it has been found that several political parties fielded candidates with criminal records during the latest elections. The data showcases a detailed party-wise distribution of this concerning trend.
The data reveals that the Bharatiya Rashtra Suraksha (BRS) party had 48% of its candidates with criminal records, while the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian National Congress (INC) reported higher percentages, with 70% and 71%, respectively. The Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (MIM) had 50% of its candidates associated with criminal cases.
These findings underscore the importance of scrutinizing candidate backgrounds and the need for increased transparency in the political arena. The percentage values raise concerns among voters and highlight the imperative for parties to address the issue of criminalization within their candidate selections.
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