A majority of Odisha's sitting MLAs are facing criminal charges, according to an analysis by Association of Democratic Reforms and National Election Watch. The report revealed 85 out of 147 legislators have declared criminal cases against them, accounting for 58% of the assembly's total strength. Besides, 66 legislators, or 45% of the assembly, are embroiled in serious criminal cases.

In serious criminal charges such as rape, murder and crimes against women, Odisha shares the fourth position with Jharkhand, where 45% (36 out of 80) of MLAs face serious charges.

While seven MLAs in Odisha — six from BJP and one from Congress — have declared pending murder cases against them, 24 have attempt-to-murder charges pending. They include 17 legislators from BJP, two each from BJD and Congress, two independents and one from CPM. One MLA also has pending rape case and 16 have shown pending cases of crimes against women in the state.

Andhra Pradesh tops the list with 56% (98 out of 174) of its MLAs declaring serious criminal cases, followed by Telangana at 50% (59 out of 119) and Bihar at 49% (119 out of 241).

Andhra Pradesh also tops the list having highest percentage of MLAs with pending criminal cases. At least 79% of its legislators have declared criminal cases. Kerala and Telangana follow closely, with 69% of their legislators having criminal records. In Kerala, 93 out of 134 MLAs have declared cases against them. At the national level, 45% MLAs have declared criminal cases against themselves while 29% MLAs have declared serious criminal cases.

Ranjan Mohanty, state coordinator of NEW, said the high percentage of pending serious criminal charges is a matter of concern. "All political parties should scrutinize their candidates to keep those with serious charges away during pendency of court cases," Mohanty said.