MNS tops crime list,BJP candidates richest

A list compiled by Agni and Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR),based on the affidavits filed by every candidate,reveals another pattern,that of which party has how many wealthy candidates. Assets declared by the candidates show that the richest 12 from all parties are all BJP candidates,and they have fielded only 15.

“All the established parties,the Congress,the NCP,the Shiv Sena,the BJP and now also the MNS,have pitted candidates whose assets on an average range between Rs 5 and 9 crore. There is a definite rise in the assets declared since the last Assembly elections in 2004. But the sources remain unknown as those are not disclosed,” said Dr Ajit Ranade of ADR,whose PIL before the Apex court brought in a major change in the filing of nominations and made affidavits compulsory since 2004.

Over 29 per cent of the total candidates refrained from furnishing their PAN card details. “One can understand the trend in the rural belt,where agriculture is the primary source of income for most candidates,but in Mumbai this can’t be a reason. Only some independent candidates have furnished details,while candidates of parties like the NCP and Congress have left the column blank,” said Sharad Kumar of Agni.

According to the list,of the 705 expectants who filed nominations,only 470 were cleared. The rest were able to meet the parameters laid down by the Election Commission.

Another revelation is that nearly 30 per cent of the candidates are graduates. “Along with a criminal background,the MNS has highest number of graduates; 20 of them postgraduates or graduates,” said Ranade.

Case diary
Candidates with criminal cases pending against them

Shiv Sena: 25/38
MNS: 25/49