GUWAHATI: As Assam prepares for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections on May 7, affidavits filed by candidates reveal that among the 47 contestants across four constituencies, a notable 15 have been identified as “crorepatis”.
Leading the pack of affluent contenders is All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) chief Badruddin Ajmal, seeking re-election from the Dhubri constituency.
Ajmal boasts assets worth a staggering Rs 155 crore, comprising both movable and immovable properties.
In a notable gender inclusion, two women have made their mark among the “crorepati” candidates – BJP’s Bijuli Kalita Medhi and Congress’s Mira Borthakur Goswami, contesting from the Guwahati constituency.
The distribution of wealthy candidates varies across constituencies in Assam.
Barpeta and Guwahati Lok Sabha constituencies each harbour five “crorepati” contenders, while Dhubri boasts three, and Kokrajhar (ST) counts two among its candidates.
However, beyond the glitz of wealth, some candidates grapple with liabilities, signifying a nuanced financial narrative.
Independent candidate Dulu Ahmed, for instance, shoulders liabilities worth Rs 11.86 crore, followed closely by BPF’s Kampa Borgoyary with Rs 7.61 crore and Congress’s Rakibul Hussain with Rs 4.36 crore.
In Assam, 143 candidates are contesting across 14 Lok Sabha constituencies, showcasing the diverse financial backgrounds of those aspiring for parliamentary roles.
Among them, 49 candidates are “crorepatis”, highlighting the financial diversity in Assam’s political landscape.
As the election unfolds, voters can consider candidates’ financial profiles to assess their suitability for representation, impacting political discourse and democratic engagement in the region.
