Rising Red Alerts: Criminal Cases Surge in West Bengal Assembly Polls

As West Bengal gears up for the 2026 Assembly elections, the number of constituencies designated as 'red alert' has surged by 17% from the previous polls in 2021. These constituencies feature three or more candidates with declared criminal cases.

According to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), nearly a quarter of all candidates in the current race have pending criminal charges, marking a worrisome trend. Notably, the BJP leads with the highest number of candidates with such declarations. The report highlights a troubling rise in severe charges, including those related to crimes against women and murder.

The financial landscape of candidates has also shifted, with a noticeable increase in self-reported crorepatis. The average wealth per candidate has now reached Rs 1.27 crore, a significant leap from the last election cycle. Despite these developments, female representation remains low, comprising only 13% of contenders. Educational backgrounds vary widely among candidates, reflecting a diverse but concerning political tapestry.