Tamil Nadu Polls 2026: 404 Candidates Have Serious Criminal Cases; 60 In AIADMK, 43 In TVK

The analysis of candidate affidavits in Tamil Nadu reveals a rise in serious criminal cases among nominees, with implications for voter trust, party selection, and potential bypolls. The report highlights offences including crimes against women and children, higher overall criminal allegations, and increasing candidate wealth.

Data from the Association for Democratic Reforms shows a sharp rise in serious criminal cases among Tamil Nadu assembly candidates, raising concern for voters who expect clean politics. The analysis signals how candidates with pending cases still secure tickets from major parties, even though conviction could cost them MLA posts.

The study of affidavits also highlights a wider trend, where candidates face both general and serious charges, including offences against women and children. Despite such records, parties in Tamil Nadu keep nominating these names.

Tamil Nadu candidates criminal cases: overall figures from affidavits

Along with serious offences, a much larger group faces other criminal allegations. The number of candidates with any criminal case has risen from 466, or 13% in the last election, to 722, or 18% now. This means almost one in five candidates has some case pending in court, sparking questions about screening standards.

Tamil Nadu candidates criminal cases: party-wise break-up and high-profile names

Out of 157 candidates with serious criminal charges from major parties, AIADMK alone has 60 such nominees, which is 35% of its total 170 candidates. TVK follows with 43 of its 231 nominees facing serious charges, while DMK has 32 candidates in this category. BJP has 9, Congress 5, PMK 6, DMDK 1, and CPI 1 candidate with serious cases.

These serious offences include murder, attempt to murder, crimes involving women and children, and corruption. ADR notes that all these charges carry maximum punishment of at least five years. If courts convict any of these candidates, they risk losing their MLA positions even after winning the election, which could trigger costly bypolls.

The broader criminal case data show AIADMK again leading with 118 candidates who have some criminal case pending. DMK has 70 such candidates out of 175, while TVK lists 92, which is about 40% of its nominees. BJP has fielded 16 candidates with criminal cases, adding to voter concerns about ethical standards across party lines.

Some well-known figures also appear in the data. Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin features among candidates with criminal cases, after declaring nine pending cases related to speeches criticising Sanatana Dharma. The report notes that high-profile names and first-time contestants both contribute to the growing number of candidates with cases.

The financial profile of candidates also stands out. ADR reports that there are 22 crorepatis in the fray. "

The detailed numbers on serious cases, overall criminal allegations and rising assets together present a clear picture of the choices before the electorate.