2024 Lok Sabha Elections: Wealthiest Candidate in First Phase Holds Rs 716 Crore in Assets, Poorest Rs 320

The wealth disparity among political candidates in India is striking. According to the Association for Democratic Reforms, among the 1,618 out of 1,625 candidates analyzed, 450, or 28% of the total, are crorepatis, meaning they have assets worth over Rs 1 crore.

The richest candidate, Nakul Nath of the Congress, has declared assets worth a whopping Rs 716 crore. He is followed closely by Ashok Kumar of the AIADMK with Rs 662 crore and Dhevanathan Yadav of the BJP with Rs 304 crore.

Notably, the poorest candidate claims a net worth of just Rs 320 while 10 candidates have declared their assets as zero. In the context of the ongoing elections, the financial status of the candidates has drawn attention.

For instance, Nakul Nath, the son of former chief minister Kamal Nath, has been highlighted for his substantial wealth, which has been a key aspect in the elections. The Congress leader’s nearest rival in terms of declared assets is Ashok Kumar of the AIADMK, contesting from Erode in Tamil Nadu, who has declared Rs 662 crore.

This raises questions about the implications of candidates’ wealth on their political careers. Furthermore, the disparity also extends to the various parties represented by the candidates.

For instance, both major parties, Congress and BJP, have candidates with high net worth, while other parties like BSP and Independent candidates also have candidates with substantial declared assets. On the other end of the spectrum, there are 10 candidates who have declared their assets as zero, highlighting the vast difference in financial backgrounds of the candidates.

Overall, the financial profiles of the candidates reflect a broader issue of economic inequality and its intersection with politics. The stark contrast between the declared assets of the candidates underscores the complex nature of Indian politics and the influence of wealth in the electoral process.