12% Rajya Sabha MPs are Billionaires: Mostly from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
The latest report from the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) highlighting that 12% of sitting Rajya Sabha MPs are billionaires, with Telangana and Andhra Pradesh having the highest percentage.
New Delhi: In a recent report that sheds light on the financial aspects of India’s political landscape, it has been revealed that around 12% of the current sitting Rajya Sabha MPs are billionaires. This striking statistic points to the prevalence of extreme wealth within the realm of Indian parliamentary representation.
The states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh stand out in this report, boasting the highest percentage of billionaire parliamentarians. The findings are a part of an in-depth analysis conducted by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and the National Election Watch (NEW), offering insights into the assets, criminal records, and broader backgrounds of 225 out of 233 Rajya Sabha MPs.
Most Billionaire MPs are from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh
The report showcases an intriguing disparity in wealth distribution among Rajya Sabha MPs. Within the spectrum of billionaires, the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh emerge as frontrunners. Impressively, a significant 45% of MPs from Andhra Pradesh and 43% of MPs from Telangana have declared assets surpassing the staggering threshold of ₹100 crore. This revelation casts a spotlight on the concentration of financial influence within these two states.
Wealth Distribution Across States
While Telangana and Andhra Pradesh lead in terms of percentage, the analysis extends its gaze across other states as well. Maharashtra presents a notable figure, with 16% of its 19 MPs crossing the ₹100 crore mark. Similarly, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Madhya Pradesh also see a notable percentage of their respective MPs amassing assets exceeding ₹100 crore. This diverse spread of wealth emphasizes the varying economic backgrounds of India’s political representatives.
Seven MPs assets are valued at ₹5,596 crore
The report delves into the specifics of these accumulated fortunes. The combined total assets of seven billionaire MPs from Telangana are valued at an astounding ₹5,596 crore. On the other hand, 11 MPs from Andhra Pradesh hold assets collectively worth ₹3,823 crore. Uttar Pradesh also makes a notable appearance, with 30 of its MPs accounting for a combined asset value of ₹1,941 crore. These figures underscore the financial prowess held by a select number of politicians in the country.
Rajya Sabha MPs with Criminal Cases
Beyond the financial realm, the report unveils a concerning dimension—criminal cases among Rajya Sabha MPs. Startlingly, 33% of the analyzed MPs (75 out of 225) have declared criminal cases against themselves. Among these, 41 MPs (approximately 18%) are burdened with serious criminal charges, including two MPs facing murder allegations under section 302 of the Indian Penal Code.
Spotlight on Gender-Based Crimes
An alarming revelation arises as well—a disturbing pattern of crimes against women within the political sphere. The report discloses that four MPs have cases related to crimes against women. This includes the shocking declaration of a rape case against Congress MP K C Venugopal from Rajasthan.
Party-Wise Analysis
The report also casts light on the distribution of criminal cases across political parties. A staggering 27% of BJP’s Rajya Sabha MPs, 40% of Congress’ MPs, and significant percentages of MPs from parties like AITC, RJD, CPI(M), AAP, YSRCP, and NCP have declared criminal cases against themselves in their affidavits. This comprehensive analysis unveils a worrying trend cutting across party lines.
The ADR report serves as a stark reminder of the complexities within India’s political landscape. The prevalence of billionaire MPs and the alarming number of criminal cases underscore the multifaceted nature of governance. Telangana and Andhra Pradesh’s dominance in the realm of billionaire MPs adds an interesting layer to the analysis. As India continues its journey in the world of politics, a thorough understanding of these intricate dynamics becomes imperative for citizens and policymakers alike. The report acts as a call to action, prompting a deeper examination of the intersections between wealth, power, and accountability within the country’s political corridors.
