As AAP sends one of Punjab’s richest to RS, he is in good company: Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Jaya Bachchan, to Praful Patel

According to an analysis of the self-declared affidavits of the MPs, the fortunes of the richest 10 range between Rs 400 crore and over Rs 5,300 crore. Of these MPs, three were elected from Uttar Pradesh, two each from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, followed by one from Punjab, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. Their political affiliations range from Independent candidates to those representing the BJP, the Congress, the YSRCP, and the BRS.

The Upper House is considered the preferred destination for “professionals engaged in social work and service” for a multitude of reasons, both by parties and those vying for an opportunity to enter Parliament.

“The usual problem when it comes to interpreting why a particular party gave an RS ticket to a prominent business personality is usually the allegation that it must have been ‘sold’ to them; this is said without considering the candidate’s mostly longstanding public service in a particular sector or decades of social work,” said a senior politician.

The Rajya Sabha, according to another leader, was preferred by such individuals because they don’t need to be involved in the larger organisational activities of their parties.

“You have to bear in mind these are high-performing individuals who need to divide their time between their profession and politics. In some instances, it is seen as a hobby. But, in the case of many others, their stature as MPs allows them a better interface with political figures with whom they can raise issues more effectively and amicably as colleagues,” the leader said.

Their personal affluence, however, a party source said, was sometimes what made them “more amenable” for a Rajya Sabha ticket, followed by organisational responsibilities.

“While everyone has a reason behind their political ambition, what is also undeniable is that their personal affluence makes them impervious to the lures of financial corruption, which is a common bane when it comes to public life,” the source said.

The richest 10 at present