The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) has released its latest analysis on the financial and criminal backgrounds of India’s Chief Ministers, revealing a stark contrast in assets and also a prevalence of criminal cases among the state leaders.
The analysis by ADR delves into the affidavits filed by 31 Chief Ministers (28 Chief Ministers of States and 3 Chief Ministers of Union Territories) before contesting their last elections, providing a detailed look at the financial status and legal entanglements of these political figures.
The report also sheds light on educational qualifications among the CMs, with a significant number holding graduate or higher degrees, although this aspect does not seem to correlate directly with their financial or criminal statuses.
Wealth: Who has the most, who has the least?
According to the ADR report, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu is the wealthiest chief minister, with declared assets worth over Rs 931 crore. His movable assets are reported as Rs. 8,10,42,29,047, and immovable assets as Rs. 1,21,41,41,609. His liabilities are mentioned as Rs. 10 Cr.
Mr. Naidu is followed by Pema Khandu, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, with a net worth of Rs. 332 Cr and liabilities of Rs. 180 Cr, and Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah with Rs. 51 Cr and liabilities of Rs. 23 Cr.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy is reported as having assets of Rs. 30 Cr and liabilities of Rs. 1 Cr.
This significant wealth starkly contrasts with West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has served consecutively for over 13 years. She is noted as having the lowest assets among the CMs, with just Rs 15 lakh in her name.
Criminal Cases
The report says that 13 Chief Ministers have criminal cases against them, with 10 having serious criminal cases.
Particularly highlighted is Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, who reportedly faces the highest number of cases, totaling 89, with 72 serious offenses.
He is followed by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, and Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.