Increased Assets of Candidates in Meghalaya Assembly Poll Stir Controversy

The average asset growth for 111 contesting candidates of Meghalaya assembly election in five years period is Rs 1.66 cr, reports said.

The ninth Meghalaya assembly election will be held on February 23.

According to the report of Meghalaya Election watch said average growth in assets for these 111 contesting candidates is 252%.

These candidates fielded by various parties in 2008 was Rs 66.20 Lakhs, but now the average assets are Rs 2.33 cr.

The report said Comingone Ymbon candidate of Congress of Raliang constituency declared a maximum increase in assets with an increase of Rs 24.26 cr from Rs 1.21 cr in 2008 to Rs. 25.48 cr in 2013.

Assets of Metbah Lyngdoh, UDP candidate of Mairang constituency increased by Rs 16.29 cr from Rs 21 cr in 2008 to Rs 37.29 cr.

Chief Minister and Congress candidate of Ampati (ST) constituency Mukul Sangma assets increased by Rs 11.07 cr from Rs 3.43 cr in 2008 to Rs 14.50 cr in 2013.

Congress candidate of Nartiang (ST) constituency Sniawbhalang Dhar’s assets increased by 39439 per cent from Rs. 75,074 in 2008 to Rs 2.96 cr in 2013 followed by Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Congress candidate of East Shillong (ST) constituency an increase in assets of 9199 per cent from Rs. 23,518 in 2008 to Rs 21.86 Lakhs, 8168 per cent increased of Binod Kumar Joshi (SP candidate of South Shillong (SC) constituency) assets grown from Rs 1.88 Lakhs in 2008 to Rs 1.56 cr in 2013.

34 Congress candidates assets have grown up by average of 361 per cent from their total assets worth in 2008.

23 Congress MLA’s assets have increased by average 386 per cent, followed by 8 NPP MLA’s assets increased with average 307 per cent and 8 UDP MLA’s assets grown up with an average of 95 per cent.

The report said 113 crorepati candidates have contested in the assembly poll.

Hemanta Kumar Nath
Hemanta Kumar Nath is a correspondent in Assam, India, who reports on local news in Assam, the north east Indian state.