Assam polls: Average assets of re-contesting MLAs up by 76%

GUWAHATI: The average assets of 90 re-contesting MLAs rose by Rs 1.91 crores (or 76%) between 2016-2021, revealed a study conducted by election watchdogs Assam Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms.

Assam Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) have analyzed the self-sworn affidavits of 90 re-contesting MLAs contesting in the Assam Assembly polls.

In 2016, the average assets of these 90 re-contesting MLAs fielded by various parties including

independents in 2016 were Rs 2.52 crores. In 2021, however, the average assets of these 90 re-contesting MLAs rose to Rs 4.44 crores.

Therefore, the average asset growth for these 90 re-contesting MLAs, between the Assam Assembly Elections of 2016 and 2021, is Rs 1.91 crores (or 76%).

Ruling the roost, Naba Kumar Doley, the BJP MLA from Dhakuakhana (ST) constituency, saw his assets rise by Rs 18.22 crores -- from Rs 7.30 crores in 2016 to Rs. 25.52 crores in 2021. His assets rose by a staggering 250%.

ALSO READ: Breaking: ECI reduces Himanta Biswa’s campaign restriction to 24 hours

On the other hand, the assets of Nijam Uddin Choudhury of AIUDF from the Algapur constituency, have increased by Rs 11.10 Crores -- from Rs. 2.71 crores in 2016 to Rs. 13.81 crores in 2021.

Himanta Biswa Sarma, senior BJP leader and minister who will be contesting from the Jalukbari constituency, saw his net worth rise by Rs 10.89 crores -- from Rs 6.38 crores in 2016 to Rs 17.27 crores in 2021.

Among parties, the BJP party's MLAs saw the most dramatic rise of fortune over the last 5 years, recording an average increase of 108.13% in assets. AIUDF MLAs -- with an average increase of 107.76% -- are second on the list.

"We want to show the people of Assam how the assets when the net worth of the people are not growing at all. While their assets are rising by 100%-200% -- the GDP only rose by 4.5%. This is why we have compiled the report," said Tasaduk Ariful Hussain, state coordinator of National Election Watch. "The people need to be careful about selecting those representatives who are more concerned about increasing their own riches. The question always arises -- are they representing the people of the constituency or are they representing themselves?"

Follow us on Facebook