If affidavits are politicians’ report cards, West Bengal’s newly expanded cabinet has produced an interesting result sheet. An analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and West Bengal Election Watch of 40 out of 41 ministers, including the Chief Minister, shows that criminal cases and crores remain familiar companions in politics.
According to the report, 29 of the 40 ministers analysed, or 73%, have declared criminal cases against themselves. More strikingly, 25 ministers (63%) face serious criminal cases. One minister has declared a case related to murder under IPC Section 302, while 10 ministers have disclosed cases related to attempt to murder under Section 307.
The list does not end there. Twelve ministers have declared cases related to crimes against women, while 10 have cases linked to alleged hate speech. In other words, for many ministers, the legal files appear almost as thick as their official portfolios.
On the financial front, the cabinet offers a mixed picture. Of the 40 ministers analysed, 23 are crorepatis. Together, the ministers possess assets worth Rs 126.78 crore, with the average asset value standing at Rs 3.16 crore.
The wealthiest minister in the cabinet is Dipankar Jana from Kakdwip, who has declared assets worth Rs 22.47 crore. At the other end of the spectrum is Koushik Chowdhury from Raiganj, whose declared assets stand at Rs 31.84 thousand, proving that not every minister arrives in government carrying a treasure chest.
Liabilities are also a common feature. Twenty-four ministers, or 60%, have declared liabilities. Dipankar Jana again tops the chart here, with liabilities amounting to Rs 10.27 crore.
Educationally, the cabinet appears reasonably qualified on paper. Thirty-three ministers, or 83%, have declared themselves graduates or above. Five ministers have studied between Classes 8 and 12, one is a diploma holder and one has described himself as merely literate.
The age profile suggests a cabinet leaning towards experience rather than youthful exuberance. Eighteen ministers (45%) are in the 31-50 age group, while 22 ministers (55%) fall in the 51-70 age bracket.
Women continue to remain underrepresented. Of the 41 ministers in the cabinet, only seven, or 17%, are women.
The ADR analysis paints a picture that has become increasingly familiar in Indian politics: a cabinet that combines substantial political experience, considerable wealth and, for a large number of ministers, a continuing engagement with the judicial system. Whether voters see this as a feature or a bug remains a matter for the next election.
