65 percent of Bengal MLAs have criminal cases and 61 percent are crorepatis report

Criminal charges up sharply since last election

A report on newly elected West Bengal MLAs finds a steep rise in criminal cases, with over 65% declaring charges—higher than the previous election cycle. The study also shows wealth concentration growing, as 61% of the lawmakers are crorepatis. Observers say the pattern intensifies worries about criminalisation of politics alongside rising economic clout in the legislature.