Ministers with criminal cases: Odisha, Andhra top list

According to a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), Odisha and Andhra Pradesh top the list of Indian states where the highest number of ministers have criminal cases registered against them. The analysis reveals that across 11 state assemblies, including Odisha in the country, over 60% of ministers face criminal cases.

At the national level, Odisha stands out with a particularly high number of ministers having criminal cases. Out of 16 ministers in the Odisha government, 14 have criminal cases registered against their names, and among these, 9 ministers face serious criminal charges.

Similarly, in Andhra Pradesh, out of a total of 25 ministers, 22 have criminal cases against them.

Overall, approximately 88% of ministers in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh are facing various criminal cases. These figures have been compiled based on the affidavits submitted by the ministers during the elections, as analysed by ADR.

The recent report has revealed that no criminal cases have been registered against any ministers in Haryana, Jammu & Kashmir, Nagaland, and Uttarakhand. 

However, as per the new norms, if the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, or any other ministers are arrested in serious criminal cases and remain in jail for 30 days, they will either have to resign from their post or face expulsion.

This report carries significant weight, especially as the central government had introduced three such bills during the last parliamentary session. The ruling party’s stance on enforcing strict accountability for elected representatives is being reinforced by this report.