Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party candidate Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari contesting from the Channapora constituency is the richest candidate with declared assets worth over Rs 165 crore. He is followed by Tariq Hameed Karra, Congress candidate from Central Shalteng constituency with assets worth Rs 148 crore, according to a report.
The Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Jammu & Kashmir Election Watch analysed the self-sworn affidavits of 872 out of 873 candidates, who contested in the three phases of Jammu and Kashmir 2024 Assembly Elections. One Independent candidate namely Sarjan Ahmad Wagay contesting from Beerwah constituency couldn’t be analysed due to the unavailability of his clear and complete affidavit on the ECI.
There are six candidates who have declared zero assets, including PDP candidate from Kathua constituency Sudesh Kumar.
Three candidates have declared low assets. Mohammed Akram contesting from Surankote constituency has declared assets worth Rs 500.
Out of the 872 candidates analysed, 410(47%) are crorepatis. In 2014 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Elections, out of 831 candidates, 317(38%) were crorepatis.
A total of 65 candidates have assets worth over Rs 10 crore and more, and 90 candidates have declared assets worth over Rs 5 crore to 10 crore. A total of 249 candidates have declared assets of less than Rs 20 lakh.
National Conference leader and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah has declared assets worth over Rs 55 lakhs. He is contesting from two constituencies this time – Ganderbal and Budgam. Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party candidate Iltija Mufti, who is the daughter of ex-Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, has declared assets worth over Rs 28 lakh, according to the report. She is contesting from Srigufwara-Bijbehara constituency.
Among the major parties 50 (89%) out of 56 candidates analysed from JKNC, 33(85%) out of 39 candidates analysed from Congress, 46(74%) out of 62 candidates analysed from BJP, 49(61%) out of 80 candidates analysed from JKPDP, 16(70%) out of 23 candidates analysed from Democratic Progressive Azad Party and 9 (32%) out of 28 candidates analysed from BSP have declared assets valued more than Rs 1 crore, according to the report.
The average of assets per candidate contesting in the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections 2024 is Rs 3.65 crore. In 2014 Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Elections, average assets per candidate for 831 Candidates was Rs 1.93 crore.
Jammu and Kashmir elections took place in three phases and counting of votes will be declared on October 8.