By Akanksha
March 20, 2026
A recent analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch (NEW) highlights that nearly one in three MPs in the Rajya Sabha has some form of criminal case.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), with 99 MPs analysed, has 27 MPs (27%) declaring criminal cases, including 13 MPs (13%) with serious criminal cases. This is the highest in absolute numbers.
The Indian National Congress (INC) has 12 out of 28 MPs (43%) declaring criminal cases, while 7 MPs (25%) have serious cases. This places Congress higher than BJP in percentage terms.
Both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) have 40% of their MPs declaring criminal cases. AAP has 4 out of 10 MPs, while AIADMK has 2 out of 5 MPs
The Samajwadi Party (SP) has the highest share among larger parties, with 2 out of 4 MPs (50%) declaring criminal cases. One of them (25%) faces serious charges.
Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has 50% (1 out of 2 MPs) with criminal cases. Independent MPs show an even higher share, with 67% (2 out of 3 MPs) declaring criminal cases, including 33% with serious cases.
Some smaller parties such as BRS, CPI(M), Republican Party of India (A), Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), Pattali Makkal Katchi, Rashtriya Lok Morcha and a DMDK entry with a single MP each show
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has 25% (2 out of 8 MPs), All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) has 31% (4 out of 13 MPs), and YSR Congress Party (YSRCP) has 29% (2 out of 7 MPs) declaring criminal case
Biju Janata Dal (BJD) reports relatively lower figures, with only 1 out of 6 MPs (17%) declaring criminal cases and none with serious cases.
Out of the total MPs analysed, 36 MPs (16%) have declared serious criminal cases. Parties like CPI(M) show a higher proportion of serious cases (67%), though based on a small number of MPs.