New Delhi, March 16 -- At least 47 per cent of sitting Members of the Legislative Assembly in poll-bound West Bengal have declared criminal cases filed against them. Overall, 37 per cent of MLAs have declared serious criminal cases against them.

The Election Watchdog, the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), and West Bengal Election Watch have analysed the criminal, financial, and other background details of 291 of the 294 sitting MLAs.

In the current assembly, 3 seats are vacant. This analysis is based on the affidavits submitted by the candidates prior to the 2021 Assembly elections and bye elections conducted thereafter. It may be noted that the number of criminal cases pending against some MLAs may change as of this date.

West...