May 24th 2024.
In the upcoming fourth phase of polling for the Odisha Assembly, it has been revealed that Biju Janata Dal leader Subasini Jena is the wealthiest candidate among all the nominees. According to a report published by the Odisha Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms, Jena has assets totaling approximately Rs 135 crore. This report analyzed the affidavits of all 394 candidates contesting in 42 Assembly segments under six Parliamentary constituencies in the state, namely Mayurbhanj, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Kendrapara, and Jagatsinghpur.
The voting for the six Lok Sabha constituencies and 42 Assembly segments is scheduled for June 1st. Jena, who is the BJD candidate for Basta Assembly constituency in Balasore district, declared in her affidavit that her assets include both movable and immovable property. Her immovable assets are valued at Rs 87,65,11,950, while her movable assets are worth Rs 47,52,75,534.
Following Jena, the second-richest candidate among all the political parties and independent candidates is Subasini Sahoo, the BJD candidate for Simulia Assembly constituency. Sahoo's assets are worth Rs 91.75 crore. Niranjan Patnaik, the senior Congress leader and candidate for Bhandaripokhari Vidhan Sabha seat, comes in third with assets totaling Rs 86.58 crore.
The ADR report highlights the influence of money power in elections, as it is evident that all the major political parties give tickets to wealthy candidates. Out of the 42 candidates analyzed from BJD, 37 have declared assets valued at more than Rs 1 crore. Similarly, 30 out of 42 candidates analyzed from BJP, 21 out of 42 candidates analyzed from Congress, 1 out of 3 candidates analyzed from CPI, and 1 out of 3 candidates analyzed from CPI have also declared assets valued over Rs 1 crore.
The report also brings to light the criminal cases against the candidates. Out of the 394 candidates, 96 have declared having criminal cases against them in their affidavits. Among them, 88 have serious criminal cases, and 17 are facing serious criminal charges, including "attempt to murder."
The ADR report raises concerns about the role of money and criminal elements in elections and calls for measures to address these issues. It is crucial for the voters to be aware of these factors and make informed decisions while casting their votes.
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