Crime and Wealth: A Divided Picture Ahead of West Bengal Elections

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms reveals that nearly one in four candidates in the 2026 West Bengal assembly elections face criminal charges. The BJP leads with the highest percentage of candidates with criminal records. The report also highlights the financial disparities among candidates, with many being crorepatis.

As West Bengal prepares for the 2026 assembly elections, a staggering one in four candidates faces criminal charges, according to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

The study analyzed 1,475 candidates and found that 23 percent have pending criminal cases, with serious charges against 20 percent. Among the parties, the BJP has the highest number of candidates with criminal cases, followed by the TMC, CPI(M), and Congress. The report raises concerns over parties' focus on popularity over legal track records.

On the economic front, the report also reveals significant financial disparities among candidates, with 21 percent classified as crorepatis. The TMC leads in financial wealth, with its candidates holding average assets of Rs 5.70 crore. In contrast, the lowest wealth was reported by Rubiya Begam with Rs 500.

(With inputs from agencies.)