Paupers', billionaires try their luck

Bhopal: “Paupers” have joined the billionaires to try their luck in the second phase Assembly elections in Chhattisgarh, in which 72 seats are going to polls on November 20.

The “pauper” have taken the plunge in poll battle this time in large numbers, although their number is still insignificant as compared to the number of “crorepatis” who are seeking to enter the upcoming Legislative Assembly in Chhattisgarh.

“We have compiled data of socio-economic profiles of 1,057 out of total 1,079 candidates who have filed nominations in 72 Assembly constituencies going to polls on November 20. Of them, 19 candidates have declared that they own absolutely no property. That is very interesting. There are total 230 ‘crorepatis’ in fray this time,” Association for Democratic Reforms, which analysed the data of the candidates given in their nomination forms, noted.

At least three other poor candidates, Rubina Anjum (Raipur-South), Naeed Ansari (Raipur-South) and Radheyshyam Sharma (Bilashpur), are found to be richer than them having assets worth Rs 100, Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 respectively.

Congress’s Ambikapur T.S. Singhdeo was found to be the richest candidate in Chhattisgarh. The scion of erstwhile Sarguja princely estate Mr Singhdeo owns assets worth nearly Rs 500 crore.

Another Congress candidate, Amitesh Shukla, who is seeking reelection from Rajim Assembly constituency, has properties worth Rs 74 crore.

Similarly, Kirti Devi Singh, who hails from Kawardha royal family, has assets worth Rs 54 crore. She is seeking elections from Kawardha seat as Independent member.