Report Highlights Criminal Charges Among Tamil Nadu Assembly Candidates
A report by the Association for Democratic Reforms indicates that 18% of candidates for the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections face criminal charges, an increase from 13% in 2021. Of the 3,992 candidates analysed, 722 declared criminal cases. Additionally, 25% of candidates are classified as wealthy, with average assets rising to ₹5.17 crore from ₹1.72 crore in 2021. The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam has 97% of its candidates as 'crorepatis', while the AIADMK has the highest proportion of candidates with criminal records at 69%. Despite a 2020 Supreme Court directive for clearer justifications for selecting such candidates, political parties continue to prioritise winnability over clean records, raising concerns about electoral reforms.
Published 1 day ago • 20 Apr 2026, 07:14 AM IST