New Delhi, April 20 -- An analysis of self-sworn affidavits shows that 18% of candidates contesting the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly elections face criminal charges, while 25% of them possess assets worth crores, according to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Tamil Nadu Election Watch.

The report examined 3,992 of the 4,023 candidates, finding that 722 have declared criminal cases - a rise from 13% in 2021. It flagged the trend as a warning sign for electoral reform, stating that political parties continue to field candidates with criminal backgrounds.

The financial profile of candidates has also shifted sharply. Average assets have risen to Rs.5.17 crore from Rs.1.72 crore in 2021, with 981 candidates declaring a...