As the Lok Sabha elections 2024 unfold, a notable trend emerges: the increasing prevalence of crorepati candidates vying for seats in India's highest legislative body. Out of a total of 1618 candidates contesting in the first phase of the elections, a staggering 28 per cent are declared crorepati candidates, indicating a significant rise in affluent individuals seeking political office.
The spotlight falls on Madhya Pradesh Congress candidate Nakul Nath, son of former Chief Minister Kamal Nath, who emerges as the wealthiest candidate nationwide. With movable assets totaling Rs 6,68,86,18,696 and immovable assets amounting to Rs 48,07,86,443, Nakul Nath's total assets soar to a staggering Rs 7,16,94,05,139, surpassing the Rs 700 crore mark.
The details have been shared by Association for Democratic Reforms, and are according to the affidavits filed by the candidates along with their nominations.
BJP Leads The Pack Of Crorepati Candidates
Party-wise analysis reveals intriguing statistics, with the Bharatiya Janata Party leading the pack in terms of crorepati candidates. The analysis of candidates across various political parties reveals intriguing statistics. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fields a total of 77 candidates, out of which a remarkable 69 per cent are crorepati candidates, constituting a staggering 90 per cent of their total candidates.
The Indian National Congress (INC) presents 56 candidates, with 49 per cent being crorepati candidates, accounting for 88 per cent of their total candidates. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) showcases 36 candidates, boasting an impressive 97 per cent of them as crorepati candidates, making up 35 per cent of their total candidates. Meanwhile, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) puts forth 22 candidates, with 21 per cent being crorepati candidates, comprising 96 per cent of their total candidates. In contrast, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) nominates 86 candidates, of which only 18 per cent are crorepati candidates, representing 21 per cent of their total candidates.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) presents a minimal number of candidates at 2, yet all of them are crorepati candidates, constituting 100 per cent of their total candidates. These statistics shed light on the varying degrees of wealth among candidates from different political parties, highlighting the complex dynamics of wealth distribution within Indian politics.
Top Ten Crorepati Candidates In Phase 1
The analysis of candidates across various political parties reveals intriguing statistics. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fields a total of 77 candidates, out of which a remarkable 69 per cent are crorepati candidates, constituting a staggering 90 per cent of their total candidates. The Indian National Congress (INC) presents 56 candidates, with 49 per cent being crorepati candidates, accounting for 88 per cent of their total candidates.
The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) showcases 36 candidates, boasting an impressive 97 per cent of them as crorepati candidates, making up 35 per cent of their total candidates. Meanwhile, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) puts forth 22 candidates, with 21 per cent being crorepati candidates, comprising 96 per cent of their total candidates.
In contrast, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) nominates 86 candidates, of which only 18 per cent are crorepati candidates, representing 21 per cent of their total candidates. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) presents a minimal number of candidates at 2, yet all of them are crorepati candidates, constituting 100 per cent of their total candidates. These statistics shed light on the varying degrees of wealth among candidates from different political parties, highlighting the complex dynamics of wealth distribution within Indian politics.
While the presence of crorepati candidates reflects economic disparities within the political sphere, it also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in electoral processes. As voters prepare to exercise their democratic rights, they are confronted with a diverse array of candidates, each representing different facets of India's socio-economic landscape.