Chief Ministers analysed: Mamata Banerjee poorest, Revanth Reddy faces highest number of cases

Hyderabad - Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu holds the title of India's richest Chief Minister, according to a report released Monday by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch (NEW). The report, analyzing self-sworn affidavits filed by all 31 current Chief Ministers, reveals Naidu possesses assets exceeding Rs. 931 crore.

In contrast, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee emerged as the poorest, with declared assets totaling a mere Rs. 15 lakh. The combined assets of all 31 Chief Ministers amount to Rs. 1,630 crore, averaging Rs. 52.59 crore per Chief Minister.

The report highlights a significant disparity between the average Chief Minister's income and the national per capita income. While India's per capita net national income for 2023-2024 is approximately Rs. 1,85,854, the average self-income of Chief Ministers stands at Rs. 13,64,310, representing a multiple of 7.3 times.

The report also sheds light on criminal cases declared by the Chief Ministers. Out of the 31 Chief Ministers, 13 have declared criminal cases against themselves, with 10 of these cases considered serious, including charges related to attempt to murder, kidnapping, bribery, and criminal intimidation. Telangana's A. Revanth Reddy faces the highest number of cases, with 89 declared against him, 72 of which are considered serious. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin follows with 47 cases, including 11 serious IPC charges. According to the report, Chandrababu Naidu has 19 criminal cases against him.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu secured the second spot on the wealth list with assets exceeding Rs. 332 crore, followed by Karnataka's Siddaramaiah with assets over Rs. 51 crore. Khandu also leads in liabilities, with a staggering Rs. 180 crore, followed by Siddaramaiah (Rs. 23 crore) and Naidu (Rs. 10 crore).

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, with assets worth Rs. 55 lakh, is the second poorest, while Kerala's Pinarayi Vijayan ranks third with assets totaling Rs. 1.18 crore.

Interestingly, only two women, Mamata Banerjee and Delhi's Atishi, serve as Chief Ministers among the 31 states and territories. The age analysis reveals a majority of Chief Ministers, 12, fall within the 51-60 age group. Seven are between 41 and 50, six between 71-80, and five between 61-70. The youngest Chief Minister is in the 31-40 age group.

Regarding education, 10 Chief Ministers hold graduate degrees, nine are postgraduates, one has completed Class 10, and three are Class 12 pass.