As India goes on polls for the third phase of the Lok Sabha elections 2024 today, a look at the asset declaration by the candidates, who are fighting it out for the voter’s attention, reveal that like phase 1 and 2, phase 3 is also dominated by billionaire candidates. Pallavi Shrinivas Dempo from Goa emerges as the wealthiest, representing the BJP in the South Goa constituency, closely followed by Jyotiraditya M. Scindia from Madhya Pradesh's Guna constituency. BJP stands out with 94 per cent of its 82 candidates falling under this affluent category, indicating a significant concentration of wealth within its ranks.
According to an analysis of the affidavits and documents filed by the candidates, done by Association for Democratic Reforms, Pallavi Shrinivas Dempo from Goa emerges as the wealthiest, representing the BJP in the South Goa constituency, with movable assets worth Rs 12,50,28,38,731 and immovable assets totaling Rs 1,11,40,00,000, summing up to an astounding total of Rs 13,61,68,38,731 (1361 Crore+).
Following closely behind is Jyotiraditya M. Scindia from Madhya Pradesh's Guna constituency, also from the BJP, with movable assets amounting to Rs 62,57,63,478 and immovable assets valued at Rs 3,62,17,30,600, tallying up to Rs 4,24,74,94,078 (424 Crore+).
Chhatrapati Shahu Shahaji, hailing from Maharashtra's Kolhapur and representing the INC, secures the third spot with movable assets worth Rs 1,65,77,48,000 and immovable assets standing at Rs 1,77,09,20,000, accumulating to Rs 3,42,86,68,000 (342 Crore+).
Dr. Prabha Mallikarjun from Karnataka's Davanagere, also from the INC, claims the fourth position, possessing movable assets of Rs 91,41,51,446 and immovable assets worth Rs 1,49,86,52,464, culminating in a total of Rs 2,41,28,03,910 (241 Crore+).
Supriya Sule, representing the Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar in Maharashtra's Baramati, secures the eighth position, with movable assets worth Rs 1,52,70,29,006 and immovable assets valued at Rs 13,81,57,342, tallying up to Rs 1,66,51,86,348 (166 Crore+).
Party Wise Analysis
Among the political parties analysed for the number of crorepati candidates, the BJP stands out with 94 per cent of its 82 candidates falling under this affluent category, indicating a significant concentration of wealth within its ranks.
The Indian National Congress (INC) follows closely behind, with 88 per cent of its 68 candidates classified as crorepati individuals, showcasing a substantial representation of affluent members within the party. Meanwhile, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) presents a notable but comparatively lower proportion, with 37 per cent of its 79 candidates being crorepati individuals. The Samajwadi Party (SP) demonstrates a high percentage of affluent candidates, with 90 per cent of its 10 candidates qualifying as crorepati individuals, highlighting a concentration of wealth within its political fold.
Additionally, Shivsena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) emerges as a standout party in terms of wealth, with all 5 of its candidates being crorepati individuals, reflecting a 100 per cent representation of affluent members within its cadre.
State Wise Analysis
In these 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the distribution of crorepati candidates across Indian states showcases intriguing patterns. In Gujarat, out of 266 total candidates, 68 are crorepati candidates, constituting 26 per cent of the total. Maharashtra follows closely, with 71 out of 258 candidates being crorepati, making up 28 per cent of the candidates. Uttar Pradesh stands out with a staggering 46 per cent of its 100 candidates being crorepati, totaling 46 individuals.
Karnataka exhibits a similar trend, boasting 69 crorepati candidates out of 227, representing 30 per cent of the total. Chhattisgarh, with 168 candidates, has 37 crorepati candidates, comprising 22 per cent of the pool.
Moving to Madhya Pradesh, out of 127 candidates, 37 are crorepati, accounting for 29 per cent. West Bengal and Bihar showcase different dynamics, with 23 per cent (13 out of 57) and 37 per cent (20 out of 54) of candidates respectively being crorepati.
These statistics shed light on the financial landscape of political candidates across states, reflecting varying degrees of wealth distribution and political dynamics.
