23% Candidates With Criminal Records, 22% Wealthy Crorepatis In Bengal Phase II: ADR Study

In a revealing snapshot of electoral candidates in West Bengal, a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has found that a significant share of those contesting the second phase of the Assembly elections have declared criminal cases against themselves, with notable variation across political parties.

Out of 1,445 candidates analysed , around 23 per cent (338 candidates) have declared criminal cases in their affidavits. Of these, nearly 20 per cent (295 candidates) are facing serious criminal charges. The list also includes 16 candidates accused in murder cases and 80 facing attempt-to-murder charges , highlighting the severity of allegations among some contenders.

Party-wise data shows sharp differences in the presence of such candidates. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has the highest proportion, with 102 out of 141 candidates (around 72 per cent) facing criminal cases. In the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) , 49 out of 142 candidate s (about 35 per cent) have declared criminal cases.

Among Left and Congress candidates, the CPI(M) has 51 out of 100 candidates (51 per cent) with criminal cases, while the Congress has 37 out of 142 candidates (around 26 per cent) facing such charges.

The report also flags 63 constituencies (44 per cent of 142 seats) as “red alert” seats , where three or more candidates have declared criminal cases, raising concerns over the nature of electoral competition in several regions.

On the financial side, the ADR findings show that 22 per cent of candidates (321 individuals) are crorepatis, with assets exceeding ₹1 crore. Party-wise, 73 per cent of TMC candidates, 52 per cent of BJP candidates , 33 per cent of CPI(M) candidates , and 25 per cent of Congress candidates fall into this category.

The average assets per candidate across Phase II stand at ₹1.21 crore , but there is a wide disparity between parties. TMC candidates average ₹5.05 crore , BJP ₹3.28 crore , CPI(M) ₹1.22 crore , and Congress ₹1.04 crore .

The findings once again underline the dual reality of elections, where candidates with serious legal cases and substantial wealth form a significant part of the electoral contest.