Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is the richest MLA, holding the title with an asset worth Rs 1,413 crore. A report revealed that 12 of the top 20 richest MLAs in the country are from Karnataka, with an average asset value of Rs 64.3 crore. Among them, 14% are billionaires, each worth Rs 100 crore or more, the highest percentage in the country.
In his 2023 affidavit to Election Commission, Shivakumar had stated that he has a total of Rs 273 crore in immovable assets and Rs 1,140 crore in movable assets. DKS’s liabilities are Rs 265 crore.
nterestingly, Karnataka MLAs dominate the list of the wealthiest legislators in the country, with 12 out of the top 20 positions. The ADR report reveals that a remarkable 14 per cent of Karnataka MLAs are billionaires, each worth Rs 100 crore or more, making it the highest percentage in the country. The average asset value of legislators in Karnataka stands at Rs 64.3 crore.
Taking the second spot on the list is an independent legislator and businessman, KH Puttaswamy Gowda, with assets valued at Rs 1,267 crore and minimal liabilities of Rs 5 crore. Following closely behind is Priyakrishna, the youngest Congress MLA in the Karnataka assembly, aged 39, who has declared assets worth Rs 1,156 crore.
The report, encompassing 4,001 sitting MLAs from 28 state assemblies and two Union territories, highlights the financial standing of politicians across the nation. DK Shivakumar's 2023 affidavit filed with the Election Commission discloses that his total assets include Rs 273 crore in immovable assets and Rs 1,140 crore in movable assets, with liabilities amounting to Rs 265 crore. Similarly, KH Puttaswamy Gowda possesses Rs 990 crore in immovable assets and Rs 276 crore in movable assets.
Interestingly, Priyakrishna not only ranks high in assets but also holds the record for the highest liabilities among legislators from all over the country, amounting to Rs 881 crore. His father, M Krishnappa, also makes it to the list of top billionaires in Karnataka, securing the 18th position. Another prominent name on the list is mining baron Gali Janardhana Reddy, ranking at No. 23.
In contrast, the poorest MLA on record is Nirmal Kumar Dhara from the Indus constituency in West Bengal, possessing assets worth only Rs 1,700 and no liabilities. Among the elected MLAs of Karnataka, the poorest is BJP's Bhagirathi Murulya, with assets valued at Rs 28 lakh and liabilities of Rs 2 lakh.