A survey conducted by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) analysed the affidavits of sitting MLAs, which they filed before the elections. The survey has revealed that criminal cases have been filed against 1,777 MLAs in various assembly seats across the country. According to this survey, serious cases including murder, and kidnapping have been registered against 1139 MLAs.

ADR has come to this conclusion by analysing the affidavits of MLAs. According to this report, 479 of the total 1356 MLAs of BJP in the country have the highest number of cases registered against them. Gujarat sits behind in the list of states with only 40 (22%) criminal cases submitted.

Across the country, report shows alarming data

The ADR and National Election Watch (NEW) analysed the affidavits filed by sitting legislators in state legislatures and union territories before contesting the elections, through which this data was obtained. Affidavits of 4,001 MLAs out of 4,033 MLAs from 28 states and two union territories were analysed by both the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO).

ADR stated in their report that 1,136, which makes up 28% of these 4,001 MLAs, had declared serious criminal cases against them. These serious cases include crimes including murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, crimes against women, etc.

Country’s top parties with more criminals

According to the ADR report, the highest number of cases have been registered against BJP MLAs. Affidavits of 1,356 BJP MLAs were examined, out of which 479 MLAs or 35% have declared criminal cases against them, including serious ones.

Criminal cases have been registered against 334 out of 719 MLAs of Congress which makes up 46%, and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam’s (DMK) 99 out of 131 MLAs, making up 76%. With criminal cases against 95 out of 227 MLAs (42%) of All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) and 93 against 161 MLAs (58%) of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), they too are among the top five parties comprising the most criminal cases in the country.

State-wise criminal records of MLAs

Among the 28 states of the country, Kerala stands the highest in number of criminal cases at 95 out of its 135 MLAs which makes up a hefty 70%. Similarly, 161 criminal cases have been registered in Bihar (67%), 44 in Delhi (63%), 175 in Maharashtra (62%), 72 in Telangana (61%) and 134 in Tamil Nadu (60%). In Gujarat, only 40 MLAs (22%) have criminal cases, of which 29 which make up 16%, have serious cases.