Karnataka Elections 2008

Karnataka Election Watch 2008, released on May 6 by the Association for Democratic Reforms is an extremely comprehensive effort at offering us a closer look at the candidates in Karnataka elections 2008. Phase 1 of the report has been released in time for the first phase of polling that takes place on May 10 and covers all the 89 constituencies.

Using official records submitted by candidates at the time of filing nominations, KEW analyses the candidates’ criminal records and financial declarations. But it isn’t just a deluge of information – the report tracks these data against the 2004 declarations and therein gives us a hard hitting look at these candidates.

What has happened to the criminal cases that were registered against the candidates in 2004 since their affidavits in 2008 reflect no such cases? Financial records of several candidates who have successfully won the last time around reflect huge jumps in just four years time. How has this been possible?

While the March 13, 2003 Supreme Court judgment made it mandatory for the Election Commission to seek details of criminal records and financial asset information, the question that remains to be asked is about verification of these assets. Nevertheless, for now, this is important.

HERE IS THE REPORT

(Many thanks to Association for Democratic Reforms for sharing this with us.)