If the brand new Punjab assembly has rich in hordes, there is also no dearth of history-sheeters.

As per the data released by the Association for Democratic Reforms, an election watchdog, as many as 22 politicians, who have been sent to the House, have criminal cases pending against them and the list of charges include from murder, kidnapping to extortion.

Of these 22, eight are facing serious criminal charges.

The Congress has 11 out of the 46 MLAs with criminal cases pending against them and the Shiromani Akali Dal has nine such MLAs out of the total 56 with criminal records.

In 2007, the SAD had 12 MLAs and Congress had seven MLAs with criminal records.

However, the list of criminals is headed by Simranjit Singh Bains, an independent from Atam Nagar in Ludhiana.

Bains is facing six criminal cases with 22 sections of the IPC slapped against him for attempt to murder, criminal intimidation, theft, rioting, armed with deadly weapons etc.

He is followed by SAD's Bibi Jagir Kaur, who is facing charges of murder and wrongful confinement.

Others who find mention in the list of top politicians with criminal records include deputy CM Sukhbir Badal, and former chief minister Amarinder Singh.

Balbir Singh Sidhu, who won from Mohali on a Congress ticket, is also facing murder and attempt to murder charges.

Others in the list include Jeet Mohinder Singh Sidhu, Sukhbinder Singh, Joginder from Congress and Sarup Chand Singla from the SAD.