Wealth doubles as voters deliver a mixed, unevenly representative mandate, ADR analysis shows
NEW DELHI, Nov 15 (The CONNECT) — More than half of Bihar’s newly elected MLAs face criminal cases, and nine out of ten are crorepatis, underscoring a mandate shaped by entrenched muscle and soaring wealth, according to a detailed analysis released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
Out of 243 winners, 130 (53%) have declared criminal cases, while 218 (90%) reported assets above ₹1 crore.
ADR’s review shows 102 MLAs (42%) face serious criminal charges, marginally down from 51% in 2020. The new Assembly includes six winners accused of murder (IPC 302) and 19 facing attempt-to-murder charges (IPC 307). Another nine MLAs have declared cases relating to crimes against women.
Party-wise, BJP leads in absolute numbers with 54 of 89 winners (61%) having criminal cases. JD(U) follows with 31 of 85 (36%), and RJD with 18 of 25 (72%). Smaller parties show even sharper trends: AIMIM (5/5), CPI(ML)(L) (2/2), CPI(M) (1/1), Indian Inclusive Party (1/1) and BSP (1/1) all have 100% of their winning candidates facing criminal cases.
For serious offences, 48% of BJP, 27% of JD(U) and 56% of RJD winners are implicated, while AIMIM has 80% of its winners facing grave charges.
The wealth profile of the new House marks an even more dramatic shift. ADR notes that several parties — including INC, AIMIM, Rashtriya Lok Morcha, CPI(M), Indian Inclusive Party and BSP — have a 100% crorepati roster among their winners. JD(U) has 78 of 85 (92%) crorepatis, BJP 77 of 89 (87%), and RJD 24 of 25 (96%).
On average, winners declared ₹9.02 crore in assets — more than double the ₹4.32 crore average in 2020.
In education, 147 MLAs (60%) are graduates or above, while 84 (35%) have studied between Class 5 and 12. Seven winners are only “literate”, and five are diploma holders.
In terms of age, 143 MLAs (59%) are between 41 and 60 years, 38 (16%) are in the 25–40 bracket, and 62 (26%) fall between 61 and 80.
Women remain significantly underrepresented. Only 29 MLAs (12%) have been elected — a marginal rise from 11% in 2020.
ADR’s findings highlight a familiar structural imbalance in Bihar’s political class — a legislature marked by high criminal exposure, rising personal wealth and persistent demographic skew, despite shifting party equations in the 2025 verdict.
