Wealth Disparity Among Candidates in West Bengal Elections: A Closer Look
West Bengal polls highlight stark wealth gap: Crorepatis vs ₹500 candidate
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
In the first phase of the West Bengal elections, nearly 20% of the 1,478 candidates are crorepatis, with significant representation from the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The wealthiest candidate has assets exceeding ₹133 crore, while the poorest candidate has declared assets of just ₹500, highlighting stark wealth disparity.
- 0120% of candidates are crorepatis, primarily from TMC.
- 02The richest candidate, Jakir Hossain from TMC, has assets over ₹133 crore.
- 03The poorest candidate, Rubiya Begam from AJUP, has declared assets of just ₹500.
- 0423% of candidates have pending criminal cases, with serious charges against 20%.
- 05106 TMC candidates and 71 BJP candidates fall into the crorepati category.
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In the upcoming West Bengal elections, nearly 20% of the 1,478 candidates are crorepatis, according to an analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and West Bengal Election Watch. The analysis, which reviewed the affidavits of 1,475 candidates, reveals that 106 candidates from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), 71 from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), 50 from the Indian National Congress, and 24 from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) are among the wealthiest. The wealthiest candidate is TMC's Jakir Hossain, with assets exceeding ₹133 crore. In stark contrast, the poorest candidate, Rubiya Begam from the Ajay United People's Party (AJUP), has declared assets of just ₹500. The report also highlights a concerning trend of criminality among candidates, with 23% having pending criminal cases and 20% facing serious charges. Notably, 106 of BJP's 152 candidates have pending cases, including 96 involving serious offences, while 63 of TMC's 148 candidates have declared pending cases, with 48 involving serious charges.
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The stark wealth gap among candidates may influence voter perceptions and trust in the electoral process, potentially affecting voter turnout and engagement.
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