New Delhi, Sept. 5 -- Nearly half of India's ministers across states and the Union government have declared criminal cases against them, including serious charges like murder and kidnapping, according to a new report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) released on Thursday.

The analysis covers 643 ministers from 27 state assemblies, three Union Territories, and the Union Council of Ministers, and shows that 302 or 47% declared criminal cases in their election affidavits. Among these, 174 ministers face serious charges including those related to murder, kidnapping, and crimes against women.

The report was released days after the Centre introduced bills in Parliament seeking removal of a sitting minister, chief minister or Pri...