An analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) shows a rise in the number of “red alert” constituencies and candidates with criminal cases in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The report said 129 constituencies – 44% of the total – fall under the “red alert” category, where three or more candidates have declared criminal cases. This marks a 17% increase from the 2021 elections, when 78 constituencies, or 27%, were in this category.
Candidates With Criminal Cases
ADR analysed 2,920 candidates contesting the polls and found that 683 candidates, or 23%, have declared criminal cases against themselves. Of these, 589 candidates, or 20%, face serious criminal charges. In comparison, 25% of candidates had declared criminal cases in 2021, while 20% faced serious charges.
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BJP Candidates With Highest Number of Candidates With Criminal Cases
Among major parties, the BJP has the highest number of candidates with criminal cases, with 208 out of 293 candidates (71%) declaring such cases. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has 112 candidates (39%) with criminal cases, followed by CPI(M) with 94 (47%) and Congress with 76 (26%).
In terms of serious criminal cases, 188 BJP candidates (64%) have declared such charges. The figures stand at 90 (31%) for TMC, 78 (39%) for CPI(M), and 63 (22%) for Congress.
Crime Against Women
The report also noted that 192 candidates have declared cases related to crimes against women, including eight candidates facing rape-related charges. Additionally, 35 candidates have declared cases of murder, while 185 face charges of attempt to murder.
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Rich Candidates in Bengal
The analysis highlighted a rise in wealth among candidates. Of the total candidates, 629 (22%) are crorepatis, up from 18% in 2021. The average assets per candidate have increased to Rs 1.27 crore, compared with Rs 91.69 lakh in the previous election.
TMC Has Richest Candidates
Among major parties, TMC candidates have the highest average assets at Rs 5.39 crore, followed by BJP at Rs 2.91 crore and Congress at Rs 1.56 crore. CPI(M) candidates have average assets of Rs 1.07 crore.
The report also pointed to low female representation, with 385 women candidates (13%) contesting the elections, up slightly from 11% in 2021.
In terms of education, 49% of candidates are graduates or above, while 46% have education between Class 5 and Class 12. A small number of candidates reported being illiterate.
Age-wise, most candidates fall between 41 and 60 years (54%), followed by 25 to 40 years (29%).
Polling in West Bengal is taking place in two phases. First phase is voting today, April 23 (Thursday) on 152 seats, and the second phase polling is on April 29 in 142 seats. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.
