The Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) analysis has revealed Congress MP Nakul Nath, son of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, as the wealthiest candidate in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, with assets totaling Rs 717 crore.
Nakul Nath, nominated to defend his Chhindwara Lok Sabha seat, is followed by AIADMK's Ashok Kumar from Erode, Tamil Nadu, who has declared assets worth Rs 662 crore as per a report by NDTV.
According to his affidavit, Nakul Nath's wealth has increased by Rs 40 crore in the past five years.
Nath's latest submission to the Election Commission mention movable property, including cash, shares and bonds, worth Rs 649.51 crore and Rs 48.07 crore of immovable property.
Interestingly, Nakul Nath often commutes using aircraft but does not own a car, according to his affidavit.
Chhindwara, located in Madhya Pradesh, is widely regarded as the political bastion of the Nath family, represented prominently by former Chief Minister Kamal Nath and now his son, Nakul Nath.
Kamal Nath won Lok Sabha elections from here nine times. Once his wife Alka Nath won the election in 1996 and then his son Nakul Nath won the election here in 2019.
This was the only seat in MP of the 29 Lok Sabha seats that the Congress could win in 2019. This time, the BJP has fielded Vivek Bunty Sahu, who recently lost the assembly election from here against Kamal Nath.