As the Lok Sabha elections progress, attention now turns to the upcoming Phase 3, scheduled for May 7 across 94 constituencies spread across 12 states and union territories.
With more than 300 candidates boasting millionaire status, the electoral landscape is dotted with affluent contenders vying for parliamentary seats.
According to a report released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) in collaboration with the National Election Watch, the list of affluent candidates includes prominent figures from various political parties, each flaunting substantial wealth and assets.
Topping the list is Pallavi Shrinivas Dempo of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), contesting from the South Goa constituency. With assets valued at a staggering Rs 1361 crore, Dempo stands as the wealthiest candidate in Phase 3.
Following closely is Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, also from the BJP, contesting from the Guna constituency in Madhya Pradesh. Scindia boasts total assets exceeding Rs 424 crore, solidifying his position as one of the richest candidates in the fray.
Not far behind is Chhatrapati Shahu Shahji of the Congress party, contesting from Maharashtra's Kolhapur constituency. Shahji's assets surpass Rs 342 crore, placing him among the top affluent contenders in Phase 3.
The wealth distribution among major regional and national parties is noteworthy, with Bihar-based JD(U) and Tejashwi Yadav's Bihar-based RJD each fielding three millionaire candidates.
Maharashtra-based Shiv Sena, NCP, and Mamata Banerjee's All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) also feature affluent contenders in their roster.
However, the BJP emerges as the frontrunner in this regard, with a whopping 82 millionaire candidates in the fray. Close behind is the Congress party, with 68 candidates boasting substantial wealth.
The Samajwadi Party (SP) and Shiv Sena also contribute to the millionaire candidate count, with 10 and 2 contenders respectively.
Remarkably, a staggering 94% of BJP candidates declare assets exceeding Rs 1 crore, displaying the party's dominance in fielding affluent contenders. The average asset per candidate in Phase 3 stands at a significant Rs 5.66 crores.
Notably, candidates from the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) under Sharadchandra Pawar's leadership boast the highest average assets, with Rs 89.68 crores per candidate, followed closely by NCP candidates with Rs 62.64 crores on average.
Top wealthy candidates:
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Pallavi Shrinivas Dempo of BJP leads the pack with assets totalling Rs 1361 crore, contesting from the South Goa constituency.
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Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, also from BJP, ranks second with assets exceeding Rs 424 crore, running in the Guna constituency in Madhya Pradesh.
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Chhatrapati Shahu Shahji of Congress secures the third position with assets surpassing Rs 342 crore, standing for election in Maharashtra's Kolhapur constituency.
Party-wise distribution:
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BJP emerges as the party with the highest number of affluent candidates, boasting 82 contenders.
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Congress follows closely with 68 candidates.
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Other notable parties include Nitish Kumar’s JD(U), Maharashtra-based Shiv Sena, and Tejashwi Yadav’s RJD, each fielding several wealthy candidates.
Regional and national party standouts:
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Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) presents 3 wealthy candidates.
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Shiv Sena, NCP, and RJD each contribute with 3 candidates.
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Mamata Banerjee’s AITC features 6 candidates with assets exceeding Rs 1 crore.
Categorisation by wealth:
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BJP leads with 77 out of 82 candidates (94%) declaring assets surpassing Rs 1 crore.
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The average asset per candidate stands at Rs 5.66 crores in Phase 3.
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Notably, candidates affiliated with the Nationalist Congress Party-Sharadchandra Pawar exhibit the highest average assets at Rs 89.68 crores per candidate, followed by NCP candidates at Rs 62.64 crores.
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