Re-contesting Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) in Assam have collectively reported an average asset increase of 80% over the last five years, according to a comprehensive analysis by Assam Election Watch and the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The report, which examined the self-sworn affidavits of MLAs from the previous and current election cycles, highlights a substantial financial enhancement among elected representatives in the state.

The analysis specifically focused on MLAs seeking re-election, comparing their declared assets from the 2016 Assembly elections with those submitted for the 2021 elections. The findings bring to light the financial trajectory of seasoned politicians and underscore the importance of transparency in public life. The average growth in assets across all re-contesting MLAs signifies a broader trend in financial accumulation during their tenure.

Key findings from the report indicate varying degrees of asset growth among representatives from different political parties. While the average increase stood at 80%, some individual legislators reported multi-fold increases, while others showed more moderate growth.

  • Number of MLAs Analyzed: The report scrutinized the affidavits of 111 MLAs who re-contested their seats in the Assam Assembly elections.
  • Average Asset Value (2016): The average assets declared by these 111 MLAs in 2016 were approximately ₹2.56 crore.
  • Average Asset Value (2021): This figure rose to an average of approximately ₹4.61 crore by 2021, representing an absolute increase of about ₹2.05 crore per MLA.

The analysis further detailed which political parties saw the most significant average percentage jump in assets among their re-contesting candidates. MLAs from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which was in power during the period, showed a notable average percentage increase. For instance, the report highlighted that 75 re-contesting MLAs from the BJP declared an average asset increase of approximately 66%, with their average assets rising from ₹2.99 crore in 2016 to ₹4.95 crore in 2021.

Conversely, 10 re-contesting MLAs from the Indian National Congress (INC) reported an average asset increase of about 141%, with their average assets growing from ₹1.28 crore in 2016 to ₹3.08 crore in 2021. The report also detailed the financial growth of MLAs from other parties, including the All India United Democratic Front (AIUDF) and the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), providing a broader picture of asset accumulation across the political spectrum. For 7 re-contesting MLAs from AIUDF, their average assets rose by 40% from ₹2.92 crore in 2016 to ₹4.10 crore in 2021. Similarly, 7 AGP re-contesting MLAs saw their average assets grow by 104%, from ₹1.05 crore to ₹2.15 crore during the same period.

These figures are compiled from the mandatory self-sworn affidavits submitted by candidates to the Election Commission of India before contesting elections. Such reports by election watchdogs like ADR and Election Watch aim to provide voters with critical information regarding the financial backgrounds of their representatives, promoting informed decision-making and accountability in the democratic process. The continued monitoring of elected officials' assets by independent bodies remains a crucial aspect of election transparency and good governance.