Patna: More than half of Bihar’s newly elected legislators face criminal charges, according to a detailed analysis released by Bihar Election Watch and the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The comprehensive review of affidavits filed by all 243 winning candidates in the 2025 assembly election paints a troubling picture of the state’s political landscape.
53% MLAs Have Criminal Records
The ADR report reveals that 130 MLAs — 53% of the assembly — have declared criminal cases against themselves. While this marks a slight dip from 2020, when 68% of legislators faced similar charges, experts say the numbers remain alarmingly high.
Among these, 102 MLAs (42%) are accused in serious criminal cases. The report lists six legislators facing murder charges and nineteen accused in attempted murder cases. Nine MLAs have declared cases related to crimes against women.
Party-wise Breakdown Shows Widespread Pattern
Criminal backgrounds cut across party lines:
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BJP: 43 of 89 MLAs (48%)
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JD(U): 23 of 85 (27%)
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RJD: 14 of 25 (56%)
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LJP (RV): 10 of 19 (53%)
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Congress: 3 of 6 (50%)
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AIMIM: 4 of 5 (80%)
Candidates from CPI(ML), CPI(M), BSP and Indian Inclusive Party have also declared serious criminal charges.
90% of New MLAs Are Millionaires
Alongside high criminality, the report highlights the growing wealth concentration in Bihar’s politics.
218 MLAs — a staggering 90% — are crorepatis, with the average assets per MLA valued at Rs. 9.02 crore.
Observers say this underscores a deeper structural shift where financial power increasingly determines electoral success.
Education and Age Profile
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35% of MLAs studied between Class 5 and Class 12
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60% hold a graduate or higher degree
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7 are merely literate
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16% are aged 25–40
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59% fall between 41–60
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26% are over 60
Women’s Representation Sees a Slight Rise
The new assembly includes 29 women MLAs (12%), marginally higher than 11% in 2020, yet still considered significantly low for gender-balanced representation.
Experts Call for Urgent Electoral Reforms
Senior journalist Praveen Bagi notes that the findings highlight long-standing structural issues.
“ADR’s report again ignites debate on criminalisation, economic disparity, and limited female participation in Bihar’s politics. The demand for electoral reforms has never been more compelling.”
