An analysis on the basis of the affidavits of candidates in both phases of the Gujarat Assembly polls has revealed that 38 Congress candidates face serious criminal charges. In 2012, 21 candidates from Congress facing criminal charges contested elections.The comparison was made with BJP who at 13 per cent remained the same as 2012. The analysis, conducted by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) and the Gujarat Election Watch.There has been 10 per cent increase in the number of candidates with criminal background as compared to the party's candidates for the 2012 assembly polls. "In 2012, 21 Congress candidates out of 171, that is 12 per cent, were facing such serious charges. The second phase of elections will take place on December 14 for 93 assembly seats.The analysis showed that 101 candidates, accounting for around 12 per cent, were facing criminal cases, including serious charges.

Source: Times of India December 07, 2017 16:41 UTC