Patna: A detailed analysis by Bihar Election Watch and the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) reveals that over half of Bihar’s newly elected legislators are facing criminal charges. This thorough review of the affidavits submitted by all 243 successful candidates in the 2025 assembly election highlights serious concerns regarding the state’s political environment. The ADR report shows that 130 MLAs, representing 53% of the assembly, have declared criminal cases against themselves. Although this indicates a slight decrease from 2020, when 68% of legislators had similar allegations, experts consider the figures to be alarmingly high. Among these, 102 MLAs (42%) are implicated in serious criminal offenses, including six facing murder charges and nineteen accused of attempted murder.
Additionally, nine MLAs have reported cases related to crimes against women. The prevalence of criminal backgrounds spans across party lines: BJP: 43 of 89 MLAs (48%), JD(U): 23 of 85 (27%), RJD: 14 of 25 (56%), LJP (RV): 10 of 19 (53%), Congress: 3 of 6 (50%), and AIMIM: 4 of 5 (80%). Candidates from CPI(ML), CPI(M), BSP, and the Indian Inclusive Party have also disclosed serious criminal allegations. Furthermore, alongside high criminality, the report underscores the increasing concentration of wealth in Bihar’s politics, with 218 MLAs, or 90%, identified as crorepatis, and the average assets per MLA estimated at Rs. 9.02 crore. This trend indicates a deeper structural shift where financial resources increasingly dictate electoral success.
In terms of education, 35% of MLAs have studied between Class 5 and Class 12, while 60% possess a graduate degree or higher. Only seven are labeled as merely literate. The age profile shows that 16% of MLAs are aged 25–40, 59% between 41–60, and 26% are over 60. Women’s representation sees a slight increase with 29 women MLAs (12%), up from 11% in 2020, though still markedly low for gender-balanced representation. Senior journalist Praveen Bagi emphasizes that the findings bring to light long-standing structural challenges, stating, ‘ADR’s report reignites the discussion on criminalization, economic inequality, and the limited participation of women in Bihar’s politics, underscoring the urgent need for electoral reforms.’