A new report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has revealed that a significant number of ministers in the newly formed Delhi cabinet have criminal cases against them. Out of the seven ministers, including Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, five have declared criminal cases in their election affidavits. This accounts for 71% of the cabinet, raising concerns about the integrity of those in power.
Among the ministers, Ashish Sood faces serious criminal charges, making him one of the most controversial figures in the cabinet. The ADR report is based on self-sworn affidavits submitted before the elections, shedding light on the legal background of those now holding key government positions.
On the financial front, two ministers—29% of the cabinet—are billionaires. Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa, who represents Rajouri Garden, has declared assets worth a staggering ₹248.85 crore. In contrast, Kapil Mishra from Karawal Nagar has the least assets, valued at ₹1.6 crore.
The report also highlights the educational qualifications of the newly elected ministers. Six out of seven ministers (86%) have a graduate or higher-level degree, while one minister has only completed Class 12.
The presence of ministers with criminal records is a recurring occurrence in Indian politics. The ADR has consistently flagged concerns about the rising number of lawmakers facing legal cases, arguing that this trend undermines public trust in governance.
