ADR REPORT: Number of rich candidates with serious criminal cases on the rise in state

The ADR earlier today released its analytical report based on the affidavits filed by the 301 contesting candidates, which revealed the gloomy future of Goan politics. The survey showed that the number of rich candidates having serious criminal cases against them has increased even as there is a decline in the education qualification of contesting candidates.

According to the report the number of candidates having assets worth over and above Rs 10cr and also having serious cases against them have increased from 6 in 2017 to 20 in 2022. Interestingly, all 6 candidates were victorious in 2017. Further it also drew attention to the fact that more than half the candidates had qualifications below graduation, which is worse than previous elections.

The number of candidates with serious criminal offences against them has also increased drastically over the last 15 years. This number has increased from 3 in 2007 to 53 this time round, with some even having cases registered for crimes against women and even cases related to attempt to murder.

With these numbers, 12 constituencies are now declared as red alert constituencies, owing to the fact that have more than 3 candidates with declared criminal cases against themselves.

There has also been a substantial increase in the number of crorepati candidates over the last 15 years, standing at 62% this year, up from 41% in 2007. 93 candidates have assets worth over Rs 5 cr, as opposed to a meager 16 in 2007. The top 3 candidates on the list are Delilah and Michael Lobo with total assets of Rs 92.91 crore and Dr Chandrakant Shetye with total assets of Rs 59.63 crore.

ADR also pointed out some major discrepancies in the affidavits filed by some of the candidates, including MGP’s Dipak Dhavlikar and Congress’ Michael Lobo.

Dhavlikar has allegedly been showing the same value of assets for the last 4 elections, however, as per SC orders candidates have to show the market value of the immovable assets, says ADR. The annual income declared by Michael Lobo does not tally with the high assets he is holdng, ADR said.