A comprehensive analysis of the recently declared Assam Assembly election results has revealed alarming trends in the criminal and financial backgrounds of the state’s newest legislators. According to the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Assam Election Watch, one out of every six winning candidates (17%) has declared criminal cases against themselves, while a staggering 85% are crorepatis — a sharp rise in wealth concentration among elected representatives.

The report, based on self-sworn affidavits of all 126 winning candidates filed with the Election Commission of India, paints a troubling picture of the state’s political landscape.

Of the 126 winners analysed, 21 (17%) have declared criminal cases, and 19 (15%) face serious criminal charges — including attempt to murder, rioting with deadly weapons, promoting enmity between religious groups, and crimes against women.

The data shows a steady and worrying increase in criminality among Assam’s legislators over the past decade and a half:

· 2011: 10% of MLAs had criminal cases

· 2016: 11%

· 2021: 27%

· 2026: 17% (still significantly higher than 2011 levels)

While the 2026 figure is lower than the peak in 2021, the percentage of winners with serious criminal cases remains at 15% — meaning nearly one in seven MLAs may be facing charges such as murder, kidnapping, or corruption.

The report also notes that three winning candidates have declared cases related to attempt to murder (IPC Section 307 / BNS Section 109), and two have declared cases related to crimes against women.

The financial disclosure section of the report is equally striking. 107 out of 126 winning candidates (85%) are crorepatis — up from 67% in 2021 and just 37% in 2011.

Year % of Crorepati MLAs

2011 37%

2016 57%

2021 67%

2026 85%

The total declared assets of all 126 winners collectively stand at a staggering ₹1,112 crore. The average assets per winning candidate have more than doubled in five years:

· 2021: ₹4.59 crore

· 2026: ₹8.82 crore

The report breaks down the wealth of winners into categories:

· Rs 10 crore and above: 25 winners (20%)

· Rs 5 crore to Rs 10 crore: 32 winners (25%)

· Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore: 50 winners (40%)

· Rs 20 lakh to Rs 1 crore: 15 winners (12%)

· Less than Rs 20 lakh: 4 winners (3%)

The wealthiest candidate is Mohammed Badruddin Ajmal (AIUDF) from Binnakandi constituency, with assets worth ₹226 crore, followed by Sewli Mohilary (BPF) with ₹63 crore and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma (BJP) with ₹35 crore.

At the other end of the spectrum, Milon Das (BJP) from Hailakandi declared the lowest assets — just ₹20,406.

· BJP (82 seats): 9% of its winners have criminal cases; 90% are crorepatis.

· Congress (19 seats): 47% have criminal cases; 74% are crorepatis.

· AIUDF (2 seats): 100% have criminal cases; 100% are crorepatis.

· Bodoland Peoples Front (10 seats): 0% criminal cases; 80% are crorepatis — the only party with a clean criminal record.

· Raijor Dal (2 seats): 50% criminal cases.

· Asom Gana Parishad (10 seats): 10% criminal cases.

· Education: 71% of winners are graduates or above; 29% have education between 10th and 12th pass.

· Age: 71% of winners are between 41 and 60 years; 20% are between 61 and 75.

· Gender: Only 7 women (6%) won seats — a marginal rise from 5% in 2021.

ADR, which has been analysing candidate affidavits for over two decades, stated that the data is presented “in good faith, with an intention to inform voters.” The organisation reiterated that all information is taken directly from the ECI website and is available in the public domain.

“The growing criminality in politics and increased misuse of money in elections are serious threats to transparency, accountability, and good governance,” the report notes.

As Assam’s new Assembly prepares to convene, the numbers raise uncomfortable questions: Will a house where one in six members has a criminal record be able to deliver clean governance? And what does the steady rise in crorepati legislators mean for democratic representation?

For now, the ADR report serves as a crucial voter awareness document — a reminder that the choice made at the ballot box carries consequences far beyond election night.