70% of Kerala MLAs have criminal cases against them: Survey

Kochi: Even as parties are announcing candidates for various seats, both major fronts LDF and UDF, have declared that they would retain their incumbent MLAs as contestants.

An analysis by two NGOs — Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Kerala Election Watch — into criminal, financial and other background details showed that 70% of incumbent MLAs in Kerala assembly have self-declared the criminal cases against them.

In the current assembly, three seats are vacant. The analysis of 132 out of 140 MLAs was done based on affidavits submitted by the candidates prior to 2021 assembly elections and byelections conducted thereafter. The report said there might be changes in the number of criminal cases pending as of date against some MLAs.

Of 132 incumbent MLAs analysed, 92 have declared their criminal cases. Of them, 33 have serious criminal cases against them. Two incumbent MLAs have declared cases related to murder (IPC Section 302), while three have declared cases related to attempt to murder (IPC Section 307).

Among MLAs with cases related to crimes against women, three have declared their cases and one has declared cases related to rape (IPC Section 376).

About literacy, 48 MLAs declared their educational qualification to be between Class V and Class XII, while 81 MLAs are graduates or above. There are three MLAs who are diploma holders. A total of 40 MLAs are aged 25-50 years, while 92 MLAs are 51-80 years, and there are 11 women.

About financial status of the MLAs, 72 (55%) are crorepatis, and the total assets of the 132 MLAs amount to Rs 363.78 crore.

One each MLA from Kerala Congress (B), Kerala Congress (Jacob), Loktantrik Janta Dal, Indian National League and National Secular Conference have declared assets valued at more than Rs 1 crore.