45% of MLAs Nationwide and 21% in Gujarat Face Criminal Cases, ADR Report Reveals
A recent report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has unveiled striking statistics about India’s lawmakers. Across the country, 4,092 MLAs from 28 states and three union territories hold combined assets of Rs 73,348 crore. Notably, Karnataka’s 223 legislators lead with assets totaling Rs 14,179 crore, while 180 MLAs from Gujarat collectively own Rs 3,009 crore.
The report also highlights concerning trends in criminal records and educational qualifications. Nationally, 45% (1,861) of MLAs have pending criminal cases, and 1,205 face serious charges such as crimes against women, murder, attempted murder, and kidnapping. In Gujarat, 21% (37) of lawmakers have criminal cases, including 26 involved in serious offenses.
Education is another area of disparity. In Gujarat, a significant 55% of MLAs have not completed a graduation, with 98 legislators having only studied up to the 5th standard, 12th grade, or obtained a diploma. Nationwide, 35% of MLAs have qualifications below graduation level, while only 24% hold postgraduate degrees. Women are notably underrepresented, making up just 10% of the total MLAs – only 14 from Gujarat.
| State | MLAs | Assets |
| Karnataka | 223 | 14179 |
| Maharashtra | 286 | 12424 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 174 | 11323 |
| Telangana | 119 | 4637 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 403 | 3247 |
| Gujarat | 180 | 3009 |
| (Assets in Crore Rupees) | ||
Source: ADR
Party-wise asset distribution reveals that BJP’s 1,653 MLAs possess total assets worth Rs 26,270 crore, compared to Congress’s 646 MLAs with assets of Rs 17,357 crore. The average asset holding per MLA is Rs 18 crore, and 119 lawmakers have individual assets exceeding Rs 100 crore. In a striking comparison, BJP MLA Parag Shah from Maharashtra’s Ghatkopar East constituency has personal assets of Rs 3,383 crore – more than the combined assets of Gujarat’s 180 MLAs.
In Gujarat, Jayanti Patel from Mansa stands out with the highest individual wealth among MLAs at Rs 661 crore. On the national stage, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar follows with assets totaling Rs 1,431 crore.