West Bengal polls see surge in criminal cases as red alert seats jump 17 percent

129 seats now crowding multiple criminal case candidates

West Bengal Assembly elections are entering the spotlight for candidates with criminal records. A report says “red alert” constituencies have risen by 17%, with 129 seats featuring three or more candidates who have declared criminal cases. Overall, 23% of candidates report criminal cases and 20% face serious charges, while the BJP leads among those with criminal records and crorepati candidates rise.