Odisha Elections 2024: Criminal cases pending against nearly 20 pc candidates in first phase polls 

Of the 37 candidates who have filed nominations for four parliamentary seats that are going to polls in the first phase, 19 per cent of the candidates or seven candidates have criminal cases pending against them, as per the report prepared jointly by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Odisha Election Watch. 

Of the seven, six have cases like criminal conspiracy, murder, attempt to murder, cheating, and crime against women and bribes pending against them.

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Regarding their educational qualifications, the report also revealed that while three candidates have not passed the Matriculation examinations, one has not even enrolled in any school. Similarly, seven have studied up to Matric, five up to Plus II, 10 up to graduation and two are the holders of doctorate degrees. 

With respect to their assets, 17 are crorepatis. The richest among them is BJP’s Kalahandi Lok Sabha seat candidate Malvika Keshari Deo who possesses assets worth Rs 41.89 crore. On the contrary, SUCI’s Koraput Lok Sabha candidate Pramila Pujari is the poorest one with assets valued at Rs 20,625. 

In the first phase, 28 Assembly seats and four Lok Sabha seats (Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Berhampur and Koraput) are going to polls on May 13.