The report further noted that 43 of the total analysed candidates faced serious criminal charges

A report by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has revealed that out of 231 candidates analysed from Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), 92 had declared criminal cases against themselves. The report further noted that 43 of the total analysed candidates faced serious criminal charges.

According to the analysis, 118 of the 170 candidates examined from the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) had declared criminal cases against themselves, accounting for 69 per cent. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam had 70 such candidates out of 175 analysed, while the Bharatiya Janata Party recorded 16 out of 33.

Among the other parties, 14 of 28 candidates from the Indian National Congress, nine of 18 from the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), and two of 11 from the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam also disclosed criminal cases in their affidavits.

At the same time, 60 (35 per cent) out of 170 candidates from the AIADMK, 43 (19 per cent) out of 231 candidates analysed from the TVK, 32 (18 per cent) out of 175 candidates analysed from the DMK, nine (27 per cent) out of 33 candidates analysed from the BJP, five (18 per cent) out of 28 candidates analysed from the Congress, six (33 per cent) out of 18 candidates analysed from the Pattali Makkal Katchi, have declared serious criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits.

Cases classified as serious criminal offences are those where the prescribed punishment can extend to five years or more. They include non-bailable and cognisable crimes, electoral violations, offences causing financial loss to the exchequer, and charges such as assault, murder, kidnapping, and rape. Offences under Section 8 of the Representation of the People Act, the Prevention of Corruption Act, as well as crimes against women and children, are also treated as serious cases.

Tamil Nadu Elections 2026

TVK won 108 seats in the 234-member assembly. With Vijay also to step down from one of the two seats he won in the assembly polls, the effective strength of TVK in the assembly will become 107.

The Congress party, earlier, formally announced its full support to TVK in forming the next government in Tamil Nadu, ending its alliance with its previous partner, DMK, in a bid to back the new political formation.