Shiv Sena’s Maval candidate among richest candidates from Pune

Laxman Jagtap, who is known as the TDR King of Pune, filed his affidavit on Monday and declared assets worth mere Rs 4.5 crore, which stunned several politicians and people who know him from close quarters. What amused many was the fact that Jagtap declared that he has no vehicle when he is seen travelling in luxury cars.

Barne, however, listed an array of vehicles he owns. “I own an Audi, Mercedez Benz, Fortuner and I-20, and have duly listed these in my affidavit,” he said.

The Sena candidate also declared that he has a loan of Rs 1 crore, while his bank deposits stand at Rs 38 lakh. He own two flats, has a bungalow in Thergaon and land at many places. “The worth of the land, which is mostly undivided family property, makes his assets shoot up to Rs 68 crore,” said a close associate of Barne. He has also declared that his wife has 600 gram gold worth Rs 12 lakh.

Barne was at the centre of controversy last week when sitting MP Gajanan Babar, who quit the Shiv Sena, hinted that Barne got the ticket because of money power. “Barne did not get the ticket just like that… a lot of money was exchanged,” Babar had said while walking out of the Sena. Barne hit back, accusing Babar of making wild allegations without any proof. “I have been selected by the Sena leadership because of elective merit. There was no exchange of money. Babar is making allegations out of frustration; he is a spent force,” Barne had said.

Though NCP has fielded Rahul Narvekar and Maruti Bhapkar is the Aam Aadmi Party candidate from Maval, it is widely believed that the contest would be between Barne and Jagtap.

In the Assembly elections in 2009, the Jagtap-Barne fight had stretched to the last round, with Jagtap ultimately winning.