Report Finds Nearly Half of West Bengal MLAs Face Criminal Cases; Over Half Are Crorepatis

A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms and West Bengal Election Watch analyzed 291 of 294 sitting MLAs in West Bengal, finding that 47% have declared criminal cases, with 37% facing serious charges including murder and crimes against women. Over half (52%) are crorepatis, with total assets of Rs 821.50 crore. The assembly includes 15% women and 63% graduates. The richest MLA declared assets worth Rs 67 crore, while the poorest reported Rs 1,700. The data is based on affidavits submitted before the 2021 elections and subsequent by-elections.