The three-year-old party MNS, known for its anti-north Indian campaign has outperformed to other political outfits by fielding more candidates with criminal cases pending against them for Maharashtra Assembly polls, according to a study conducted by NGO AGNI. The study, conducted in 31 constituencies of Mumbai and Thane region, revealed that 14 MNS candidates have criminal cases registered against them. Rival Shiv Sena has fielded 13 candidates.

"Out of 354 candidates in fray in these 31 constituencies, 82 have criminal cases registered against them. One of the candidates Arun Gawli is convicted in seven cases," trustee and election coordinator of AGNI Sharad Kumar told PTI.

The study showed Congress has fielded the maximum number of rich candidates. "Congress has 16 cadidates with assets of over a crore rupees. MNS is not behind, with 12 candidates having assets in crores," Kumar said.

Interestingly, the number of educated candidates is also large this time. Altogether, 26 are post-graduates and 65 graduates, Kumar said.