ADR report flags surge in wealthy, tainted candidates in Tamil Nadu polls

Candidates contesting the Tamil Nadu assembly elections have been found to possess significant assets and face criminal charges. An analysis of self-sworn affidavits shows that 722 out of 3,992 candidates have declared criminal cases, a rise from 13% in 2021. Average assets have risen to ₹5.17 crore, with 981 candidates declaring assets above ₹1 crore. Major parties, including the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, have been found to field predominantly wealthy candidates.