Kandomani Bhumij, an Independent candidate from the ST-reserved Potka constituency in East Singhbhum, is the richest candidate in the first phase of the Jharkhand Assembly elections, with declared assets over Rs 80 crore. He is followed by Congress candidate Krishna Nand Tripathi (Daltonganj, Palamu) and independent Ayush Ranjan (Ranchi), both of whom have declared assets exceeding Rs 70 crore.
The first phase of voting will take place on November 13, with the second phase on November 20, and results to be declared on November 23.
A total of 682 out of 683 candidates’ affidavits were analysed by Jharkhand Election Watch and the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). One independent candidate, Brajendra Hemrom (Torpa), was excluded due to incomplete documentation.
Among the 682 candidates, 235 (34%) are crorepatis. Of the major parties, 83% of BJP candidates, 78% of JMM candidates, 94% of Congress candidates, and 80% of RJD candidates have declared assets over Rs 1 crore.
The average asset value per candidate in Phase 1 is Rs 2.16 crore.
On the other end, Sushil Topno, contesting from Sisai (Gumla) with the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha, has assets worth only Rs 7,000, while independents Basant Kumar Dungdung and Roshun Sundi have declared assets of Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000, respectively.
The ADR report also reveals that 45% of candidates have education levels between 5th and 12th grade, while 51% are graduates or hold higher qualifications.
A total of 73 (11%) female candidates are contesting in Phase 1.