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West Bengal phase 1 polls: 294 candidates face serious criminal charges, 98 booked for crimes against women
A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms and West Bengal Election Watch shows that in the first phase of West Bengal Assembly Elections, 294 of 1,475 candidates self-declared serious criminal cases in their affidavits. About 23% of candidates (345) are charged under criminal cases, and the report notes 98 candidates were booked for crimes against women. A 'serious criminal case' covers offences with five years or more punishment, non-bailable offences, electoral offences, or charges like assault, murder, kidnapping, rape, and crimes against women and children.
Why It Matters
The findings raise concerns about the electoral process and candidate credibility, as voters rely on affidavits to assess criminal backgrounds of first-phase contestants.
Timeline
1 Event
ADR-West Bengal Election Watch report: 294 candidates in phase 1 West Bengal Assembly Elections declare serious criminal cases
April 21, 2026
A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and West Bengal Election Watch reveals that in the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections, 294 out of 1,475 candidates self-declared serious criminal cases in their affidavits. This accounts for about one in five contestants. The report states that 23% of candidates (345) have self-sworn to be charged under criminal cases. A 'serious criminal case' is defined as offences with a maximum punishment of five years or more, non-bailable offences, electoral offences, or charges related to assault, murder, kidnapping, rape, and crimes against women and children. The event title mentions 98 candidates booked for crimes against women.