PATNA: The coming Bihar assembly elections on November 11 are heating up with a big twist! According to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), almost one-third of the candidates in the second phase have criminal cases against them. ADR analysed affidavits of 1,297 candidates and found that 415 candidates—that’s 32%!—have registered criminal cases. And wait, it’s not just small offences. A whopping 341 candidates, or 26%, face serious charges like murder, kidnapping, assault, and corruption. What counts as serious? ADR explains these are crimes that can get you five or more years in jail and are non-bailable. The report revealed more jaw-dropping details: 19 candidates declared cases related to murder while 79 had charges for attempted murder! It’s a spicy stew of crime in Bihar’s poll mix. But it’s not just about crime. The ADR also uncovered the education background of these candidates. Nearly half of them, 48%, are graduates! Yet, in this group, nine candidates are totally illiterate. The elections hold a thick tension in the air, as voters in places like Gaya are caught in the dilemma of not liking their MLA but facing the hard realities of choices on the ground. This fascinating blend of politics, crime, and education paints the true mood of Bihar going into phase two of elections. To sum up, 1,302 candidates are fighting for power in phase two, with ADR analysing almost all affidavits. This means voters must choose wisely, knowing who stands behind the curtain of crime and who wears the cap of education. The Bihar political stage is set for a thrilling drama, and November 11 can’t come soon enough!