India, Oct. 28 -- A new report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Bihar Election Watch has revealed alarming levels of criminal and financial influence among candidates contesting the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 Phase I. The analysis, based on self-sworn affidavits of 1,303 out of 1,314 candidates, shows that nearly one-third of all contestants have criminal cases pending against them.

According to the report, 423 candidates (32%) have declared criminal cases, while 354 (27%) face serious criminal charges. These include 33 accused of murder and 86 of attempted murder. Additionally, 42 candidates face charges related to crimes against women, including two accused of rape.

Among political parties, the Rashtriya Janata D...