Assam Assembly elections: Wealth of re-running MLAs rises 80% in 5 years; which party has the biggest jump?

NEW DELHI: As Assam assembly elections take place here, the finances of sitting legislators seeking re-election are coming under fresh scrutiny, with data showing their declared wealth has increased sharply in the past five years. Analysis by the Association for Democratic Reform (ADR) of 83 re-election MLAs from all parties and independents shows average assets have risen significantly since the last election.In 2021, the average assets of these MLAs were Rs 4.17 million. By 2026, this has increased to Rs 752 crore – an average increase of Rs 334 crore per candidate.

Overall, this marks an 80% increase in the assets of those returning to the electoral fray, highlighting a significant change in their financial circumstances.The United People’s Party Liberal (UPPL), which is running for re-election as an MLA, has seen the largest increase in assets, averaging 222.8%. The party was once part of the ruling NDA but decided to go it alone this time. UPPL’s ​​exit is a setback for the Bodoland region, where the party won seven seats in 2021 and played a key role in forming the government with the AGP as the BJP itself lacks a majority.The Bodoland People’s Front, which has two re-contested MLAs and is also part of the ruling NDA, saw its assets increase by an average of 143.93%. The assets of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which has the most re-elected MPs (45), have seen an average increase of 94.24%, while the Congress Party, which has 14 sitting MPs, has seen an average increase of 57.32%.Comparative analysis of average assets of political parties for re-election of provincial legislators in 2021 and 2026

The elections in Assam are scheduled to be held on April 9 and counting of votes will be on May 4. The election in Assam is seen as a decisive one, featuring several high-stakes battles that could reshape the state’s political landscape. At the center is a crucial face-off between Himanta Biswa Sarma and Gaurav Gogoi, widely seen as a test of the BJP’s ability to secure a majority on its own.