A recent report released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and West Bengal Election Watch reveals that nearly half of the sitting MLAs in West Bengal have declared criminal cases against themselves. Out of the 294 MLAs in the state, three positions remain vacant, and the analysis focused on the criminal, financial, and other background details of 291 lawmakers. According to the findings, 136 MLAs, or 47 percent, have reported criminal charges, while 109 legislators, which constitutes 37 percent, face serious charges. The report indicated that eight MLAs have disclosed cases relating to murder, while 29 have cases concerning attempted murder. Additionally, 22 MLAs are involved in cases related to crimes against women, one of which pertains to rape.

Party-wise Breakdown of Criminal Cases

The report also provided a party-wise distribution of these criminal declarations. Among the legislators, 92 out of 223 MLAs, or 41 percent, affiliated with the Trinamool Congress have reported criminal cases in their affidavits. In contrast, 42 out of 64 MLAs, or 66 percent, from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have declared similar cases. This disparity highlights the prevalence of criminal allegations across different political affiliations within the state assembly.

Financial Background of MLAs

The financial status of the MLAs has also been scrutinized in the report, showing that 152 of the 291 analyzed legislators, representing 52 percent, are classified as crorepatis. The cumulative assets of these sitting MLAs total approximately Rs 821.50 crore, yielding an average of Rs 2.82 crore per MLA. Notably, Jakir Hossain, the MLA from Jangipur, ranks first among his peers with declared assets exceeding Rs 67 crore. He is followed by Ahmed Javed Khan from Kasba with over Rs 32 crore and Vivek Gupta from Jorasanko with assets surpassing Rs 31 crore.

Demographics and Education of MLAs

Further insights from the analysis reveal the demographics of the legislature. Out of the total, 45 MLAs, approximately 15 percent, are women, while the remaining 246 legislators are men. In terms of educational qualifications, 182 MLAs, representing 63 percent, have declared themselves as graduates or hold higher degrees. Meanwhile, 104 legislators, or 36 percent, have stated educational qualifications ranging from class 8 to class 12. This data reflects a concerning need for greater educational diversity and female representation within the assembly.

Basis of the Report

The findings of the report are based on affidavits submitted by candidates during the West Bengal Assembly elections in 2021 and subsequent bypolls. These documents provide a comprehensive overview of the backgrounds of current legislators, shedding light on the intertwined nature of criminal allegations and financial standings among elected representatives in West Bengal.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share