A recent survey by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Assam Election Watch has revealed that a notable number of candidates contesting the Assam Assembly Elections 2026 have declared criminal cases, raising concerns among voters in Guwahati and across the state.
Out of 722 candidates, 102 (14%) have declared criminal cases against themselves, showing only a slight improvement from the 2021 elections.
An ADR report has found that 14% of candidates in the Assam Assembly Elections 2026 have declared criminal cases, with 11% facing serious charges. The findings raise concerns among voters in Guwahati about transparency, candidate selection, and electoral reforms.
Serious Criminal Cases Still a Concern
The report highlights that 82 candidates (11%) are facing serious criminal charges.
These include:
- Non-bailable offences
- Cases involving violence
- Electoral violations
- Offences under anti-corruption laws
For voters in Guwahati, where electoral awareness is relatively high, such data is likely to influence public discourse.
Party-Wise Breakdown of Candidates with Cases
The survey shows that candidates with criminal backgrounds are present across major political parties:
- Congress (INC): 28%
- Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): 9%
- AIUDF: 37%
- Asom Gana Parishad: 23%
- Raijor Dal: 15%
- Assam Jatiya Parishad: 20%
- CPI(ML)(L): 33%
This trend reflects a broader issue in candidate selection across parties.
Limited Progress Since Last Election
Compared to the 2021 Assembly elections:
- Candidates with criminal cases: 15% (2021) → 14% (2026)
- Serious cases: 12% (2021) → 11% (2026)
The marginal decline suggests that concerns around the criminalisation of politics remain largely unchanged.
Supreme Court Guidelines and Compliance
ADR noted that despite the 2020 Supreme Court guidelines requiring political parties to justify the selection of candidates with criminal backgrounds, compliance remains weak.
Parties often cite reasons such as:
- “Popularity”
- “Social work”
However, these justifications are considered vague and insufficient by observers.
Why This Matters for Guwahati Voters
In Guwahati, where voter awareness and media coverage are strong, such findings could influence:
- Voting decisions in urban constituencies
- Public debate on candidate credibility
- Demand for cleaner politics
The issue is particularly relevant in closely contested seats like Guwahati Central and Dispur.
What Happens Next
With polling approaching, candidates’ backgrounds are expected to remain a key talking point in Guwahati’s election discussions.
Voters are likely to weigh these factors alongside development, governance, and local issues before casting their ballots.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many candidates in Assam have criminal cases?
According to ADR, 14% of candidates (102 out of 722) have declared criminal cases.
2. Why is this important for Guwahati voters?
It helps voters assess candidate credibility and make informed decisions based on transparency and background.