29 September,2009 07:13 AM IST | | Varun Singh
Asset affidavits to the EC have revealed that politicians grew richer by 12 times in 5 years
Gopal Shetty, the city BJP president, Ashok Bhai Jagtap, Congress candidate from Jogeshwari and Sardar Tara Singh, the BJP's candidate from Mulund top the list of candidates whose asset base has seen the highest increase since the 2004 elections.
Shetty, the BJP's candidate from Borivli in 2004, had only Rs 11.87 lakh as assets. In 2009, his assets have grown 12 times to Rs 1.45 crore. Shetty was unavailable for comment despite calls through the day.
Jagtap, who is contesting from Jogeshwari (E), on a Congress ticket was worth Rs 2.88 crore in 2004.
u00a0
This year, his worth has jumped 10 times to Rs 20.05 crore. Jagtap justified the rise saying, "I am in the construction business and have many good projects commercial projects in Bandra, which yielded good money.
u00a0
This has hiked my total worth." In 2004 his assets covered real estate interests over Mumbai, Konkan and Lonavala. In fact, in his affidavit to the Election Commission (EC), Jagtap said he had no cars.
u00a0
"Recession did not affect Bandra realty and business has been normal," said Jagtap.
Sardar Tara Singh's asset base upped seven times. Rajneet Singh his son, claims the success comes from his mother's business.
"Our industrial estate in Bhandup is doing very well as is my mother's business. In fact, my mother's bank balance is above Rs 1 crore," said Singh.
u00a0
And then there isu00a0 Congress's Abdul Rahim Siddique (Baba Siddique) who had total assets worth Rs 12.17 crore in 2004 and today they stand at Rs 22.50 crore.
Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, who was worth Rs 11.78 crore in 2004, is nowu00a0 worth Rs 24 crore.
Rich and Famous
Even new entrants and corporators who are contesting the Assembly elections have got assets that are worth crores.
Poonam Mahajan, a first timer in the elections, has assets of more than Rs 12 crore. Ravindra Waikar of the Sena, is worth Rs 3.78 crore, while Ashish Shelar of the BJP is worth Rs 1.95 crore.
Paisa bolta hai...
Gopal Shetty |
Cash: |
2009 |
2004 |
Ashok Bhai Jagtap |
Cash: Other assets: |
Rs 15.88 lakh |
Rs 2.7 lakh |
Sardar Tara Singh |
Cash: |
Rs 20,425 |
Rs 3,17 lakh |
ALSO READ
'Politicians encourage divide between Gujarati and Marathi communities'
Piyush Goyal talks to Mumbaikars, promises improved infra during morning walk
Lok Sabha elections 2024: BJP announces 20 names for state
BJP MP demands extended hours of loudspeaker use in Mumbai housing societies
24 years on, Mumbai gets its 25th BMC ward in Malad area