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West Bengal Assembly polls: 23.39% candidates have declared criminal cases, says poll watchdog
A poll watchdog analysis found that about 23% of candidates in the West Bengal Assembly elections have self-declared criminal cases in their affidavits. The ADR identified 683 such candidates among 2,920 examined ahead of the two-phase polls, with counting scheduled for May 4.
Why It Matters
The findings spotlight the prevalence of criminal disclosures in candidate affidavits and raise questions about the integrity of electoral choices and vetting processes.
Timeline
2 Events
West Bengal Assembly elections scheduled in two phases; counting on May 4
April 21, 2026
The elections are scheduled to be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, 2026, with vote counting on May 4, 2026.
ADR finds 683 candidates with criminal cases among 2,920 analyzed
April 21, 2026
The Association for Democratic Reforms analyzed self-sworn affidavits of 2,920 candidates contesting the West Bengal Assembly elections and found that 683 candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves, accounting for about 23.39% of the analyzed nominees.