A recent analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has revealed that 14% of the candidates contesting the 2026 Assam Assembly elections have declared criminal cases against themselves. The report, which sheds light on the background of those seeking public office, further notes that 11% of the total candidates are facing “serious” criminal charges.
The findings indicate a slight decrease compared to the 2021 Assembly elections, where 15% of candidates had criminal records and 12% faced serious charges. However, the prevalence of high-profile offenses remains a point of concern for electoral watchdogs. The report details the gravity of the alleged crimes, noting that eight candidates are linked to murder cases (Section 103 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita/IPC 302), while nine candidates face charges of attempted murder. Additionally, two candidates have declared cases related to crimes against women. Despite repeated Supreme Court directives mandating that political parties justify their selection of candidates with criminal backgrounds, the ADR noted that parties continue to prioritize “winnability” over clean records. The report emphasizes that the disclosure of these antecedents is crucial for voters to make an informed choice at the ballot box.
As the state gears up for the 2026 polls, these statistics serve as a stark reminder of the challenges surrounding the decriminalization of politics in Assam.
