Published Mar 19, 2026 | 4:05 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 19, 2026 | 4:05 PM
Kerala Legislative Assembly.
Synopsis: A major highlight of the report is the high proportion of legislators facing criminal charges. As many as 92 MLAs, accounting for 70 percent, have declared criminal cases against themselves. Of these, 33 (25 percent) face serious criminal charges. The report also notes that two MLAs have declared cases related to murder, while three face charges of attempt to murder. Additionally, three MLAs have declared cases related to crimes against women, including one involving rape.
A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), in collaboration with Kerala Election Watch, has revealed striking details about the criminal, financial, and social background of sitting legislators of the 15th Kerala Legislative Assembly, just weeks ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled on 9 April.
The analysis, based on affidavits submitted during the 2021 elections and subsequent bypolls, covers 132 out of 140 MLAs, with three seats currently vacant.
A major highlight of the report is the high proportion of legislators facing criminal charges. As many as 92 MLAs, accounting for 70 percent, have declared criminal cases against themselves. Of these, 33 (25 percent) face serious criminal charges.
The report also notes that two MLAs have declared cases related to murder, while three face charges of attempt to murder.
Additionally, three MLAs have declared cases related to crimes against women, including one involving rape.
Party-wise data shows significant variations. Among major parties, 90 percent of MLAs from the Indian National Congress have declared criminal cases, followed by 86% from the Indian Union Muslim League and 74 percent from the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Even smaller parties and independents show notable percentages, indicating the widespread nature of the issue across political lines.
On the financial front, the report points to growing wealth among legislators. Out of the 132 MLAs analysed, 72 (55 percent) are crorepatis. The total declared assets of these MLAs amount to ₹363.78 crore.
The distribution of wealth also varies across parties. All MLAs from Kerala Congress (M), JD(S), NCP, and Kerala Congress have declared assets exceeding ₹1 crore.
Among larger parties, 62 percent of Congress MLAs and 86 percent of IUML MLAs fall into the crorepati category, while 40 percent of CPI(M) and 25 percent of CPI MLAs have assets above ₹1 crore.
The findings come at a crucial time as Kerala prepares to elect its 16th Assembly.
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
