Crime
338 Candidates in Bengal Phase 2 Declare Criminal Cases
Around 23 per cent of candidates contesting in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026 have declared criminal cases against themselves, while 22 per cent are crorepatis, according to a report by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
The report analysed 1,445 candidates and found that 338 candidates, or 23 per cent, disclosed criminal cases in their affidavits. It also stated that 295 candidates, or 20 per cent, declared serious criminal cases.
According to the findings, 16 candidates reported cases related to murder, while 80 candidates face charges of attempt to murder.
The ADR report is based on self-declared affidavits submitted by candidates ahead of the polling phase.