According to ADR’s findings, out of the 103 re-contesting MLAs, a substantial 87 per cent have witnessed an upswing in their assets, ranging from a modest 3 per cent to a staggering 1331 per cent. Conversely, 13 per cent have experienced a dip in their assets, with reductions ranging from -1 per cent to -79 per cent

As the people of Telangana vote for their favourite candidate in the state assembly polls on 30 November, a meticulous analysis conducted by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Telangana Election Watch of the financial portfolios of 103 re-contesting MLAs in the impending Telangana Assembly Election 2023 have made some startling revelations. 

According to ADR’s findings, out of the 103 re-contesting MLAs, a substantial 87 per cent have witnessed an upswing in their assets, ranging from a modest 3 per cent to a staggering 1331 per cent. Conversely, 13 per cent have experienced a dip in their assets, with reductions ranging from -1 per cent to -79 per cent.

Significantly, 13 per cent have experienced a dip in their assets, with reductions ranging from -1 per cent to -79 per cent.

In a detailed analysis conducted by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Telangana Election Watch, the financial portfolios of 103 re-contesting MLAs in the upcoming Telangana Assembly Election 2023 have been scrutinised. 

The average assets of the 103 re-contesting MLAs, spanning various parties, including independents, in 2018, amounted to Rs 14.44 crores. In 2023, the average assets of these 103 re-contesting MLAs have surged to Rs 23.87 crores, reflecting an average asset growth of Rs 9.43 crores and an impressive 65 per cent increase in assets from 2018 to 2023.

Among the top 3 re-contesting MLAs with the highest asset increase (Rupees-wise) are Pailla Shekar Reddy (BRS) from Bhongir Constituency, who recorded the maximum increase in assets with a remarkable surge of Rs 136.47 crores – from Rs 91.04 crores in 2018 to Rs. 227.51 crores in 2023.

Alla Venkateswar Reddy (BRS) from Devarkadra Constituency witnessed an increase of Rs 59.02 crores, from Rs 20.15 crores in 2018 to Rs 79.17 crores in 2023. Manchireddy Kishan Reddy (BRS) from Ibrahimpatnam Constituency experienced a rise of Rs 52.59 crores, climbing from Rs 7.99 crores in 2018 to Rs 60.58 crores in 2023.

Party-wise asset increase is categorised based on political parties, with BRS leading with an average asset increase of 68.56 per cent, followed by Indian National Congress with 55.12 per cent, AIMIM with 58.96 per cent, and BJP with 9.51 per cent. The total average asset increase for all 103 re-contesting MLAs stands at 65 per cent.

The staggering 65 per cent average increase in assets among these re-contesting MLAs raises pertinent questions about the sources of this substantial growth. The disparities in wealth accumulation highlight the need for greater transparency in political financing and a rigorous examination of the financial activities of elected representatives.

The significant variation in the financial trajectories of MLAs, both within and between parties, underscores the complex interplay of economic forces in electoral politics. It also emphasises the importance of financial disclosures and ethical standards in ensuring the integrity of the democratic process.

These findings will likely become a focal point of public discourse, potentially influencing voter perceptions and electoral strategies. The Association for Democratic Reforms and Telangana Election Watch's comprehensive analysis serves as a vital tool for citizens and policymakers alike to gauge the economic dimensions of political representation in the state.

This analysis not only sheds light on the financial dynamics of re-contesting MLAs but also underscores the need for continuous scrutiny and accountability in the political arena. The implications of these findings extend beyond individual constituencies, resonating with broader discussions on electoral transparency and governance in the democratic landscape.