Wealth disparity marks Lok Sabha election, some candidates have declared zero assets
TNR Desk
As the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 unfolds, a stark contrast in wealth among candidates emerges, with Karnataka Congress leader Venkataramane Gowda, famously known as ‘Star Chandru’, claiming the title of the richest contender. An analysis conducted by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and the National Election Watch reveals that Gowda, vying against former Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy, boasts assets totalling ₹622 crore.
Following closely behind is incumbent Karnataka Congress MP DK Suresh, with assets valued at ₹593 crore. Suresh, a three-time MP seeking re-election from Bangalore Rural, discloses substantial holdings in various forms, including significant deposits in banks, extensive land assets and valuable real estate. He is the brother of Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
BJP MP and actress Hema Malini, contesting from the Mathura Lok Sabha seat, is at the third position among the wealthiest candidates, with assets worth ₹278 crore. In fourth place stands Madhya Pradesh Congress leader Sanjay Sharma, declaring assets worth ₹232 crore. Former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy occupies the fifth spot with total assets amounting to approximately ₹217.21 crore.
However, amidst the wealth and affluence of some candidates lies a stark contrast as Phase 2 also unveils candidates with notably meagre assets. Laxman Nagorao Patil, an Independent contestant from Maharashtra’s Nanded, emerges as the candidate with the lowest assets, declaring a mere ₹500. Following closely is Rajeswari KR, another independent candidate from Kasaragod in Kerala, with assets valued at ₹1,000.
Pruthvisamrat Mukindrao Dipwansh, contesting independently from Amravati (SC), ranks third among candidates with low assets, disclosing total holdings of ₹1,400. Shahnaz Bano, representing the Dalit Kranti Dal and contesting from Rajasthan’s Jodhpur, reveals assets worth ₹2,000. VP Kochumon, fielded by the Socialist Unity Centre of India (Communist) from Kerala’s Kottayam, claims the fifth position among candidates with limited assets, reporting ₹2,230.
Moreover, Phase 2 of the polls also witnesses candidates with zero assets, including Karnataka’s Prakash RA Jain, Ramamurthy M and Raja Reddy, among others, reflecting the diverse economic backgrounds of contestants vying for political office.
