Criminal Charges Rise Among West Bengal Legislators, Reflecting Troubling Trend
The latest ADR report reveals 65% of newly elected West Bengal Assembly legislators have declared criminal cases against themselves, an increase from 49% in 2021. The report also highlights the growing wealth among MLAs, with 61% now crorepatis. Women’s representation remains low, with only 13% female MLAs.
- Country:
- India
In a concerning development, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reports that 65% of newly elected legislators in the West Bengal Assembly have criminal cases against them. This marks a significant rise from 2021, where only 49% of MLAs faced similar charges.
The analysis, which scrutinized the affidavits of 292 assembly winners, revealed that 58% are implicated in serious crimes, including murder and attempted murder charges. Party-wise, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has the highest number of candidates with criminal cases, at 74%, whereas the Indian National Congress's winning candidates reported no criminal cases.
The report also highlights an increase in wealth among legislators, with 61% identified as crorepatis, up from 54% in the previous elections. Despite these developments, the gender representation gap persists, as women comprise only 13% of the assembly, slightly down from the previous term.
(With inputs from agencies.)
ALSO READ
PM Modi to inaugurate development projects, address BJP rally in Hyderabad on May 10
Chisoti cloudburst victims' families meet BJP J&K chief over pending death certificates
BJP essential for safeguarding India's honour, prosperity and security: Naqvi
"Powers should not be misused": AAP's Ashok Parashar slams BJP over ED action on Sanjeev Arora
TMC's Sagarika Ghose slams BJP over absence of MPs at Tagore tribute event in Parliament
Google News