West Bengal Elections: Crime and Wealth Among Candidates

In West Bengal's next assembly phase, 23% of candidates have criminal records while 22% are millionaires, a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms reveals. Of 1,445 candidates, 63 constituencies face 'red alert' with multiple candidates having criminal charges. Wealth distribution shows TMC members as the wealthiest.

The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has released a striking report on candidates participating in the second phase of West Bengal assembly elections. According to the report, 23% of the candidates have declared criminal cases against them, with serious allegations including murder and attempted murder.

Among the key political parties, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) stands out with 72% of its candidates facing criminal charges, followed by the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)], and Congress. The ADR also identified 63 constituencies as 'red alert' due to the presence of multiple candidates with declared criminal cases.

On the financial front, 22% of the candidates are crorepatis. The TMC candidates are at the forefront in terms of wealth, with average assets of Rs 5.05 crore. The BJP, CPI(M), and Congress candidates follow, showcasing the considerable financial stakes involved in the elections.