The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Madhya Pradesh): In the lead-up to the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Madhya Pradesh scheduled for April 19, Congress MP Nakul Nath, seeking re-election from Chhindwara, has disclosed assets amounting to nearly Rs 700 crore. This declaration positions him among the wealthiest candidates contesting in this election cycle, showing an increase of Rs 40 crore over the past five years.
Nakul Nath’s affidavit reveals a mix of movable assets valued at Rs 649.51 crore, including cash, shares, and bonds, alongside immovable properties worth Rs 48.07 crore. His substantial financial disclosure places him atop the list of crorepati members of the Lok Sabha in 2019, as reported by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR).
Chhindwara, a stronghold for Nakul Nath and his father, former Chief Minister Kamal Nath, has been a consistent seat for the Congress since 1952, barring a single loss to the BJP. In contrast to Nakul Nath’s extensive asset declaration, Kamal Nath had reported assets worth Rs 134 crore ahead of the last year’s assembly elections.
Interestingly, Nakul Nath, who frequently uses an aircraft for travel, does not own a car, as per his latest affidavit. The BJP has sought to contrast the Naths’ wealth with the common man’s concerns, with its candidate Vivek Sahu challenging Nakul Nath by highlighting the former Chief Minister’s use of helicopters and aiming to appeal to voters with a narrative of wealth versus the commoner.
The political discourse in Chhindwara has taken a turn towards the lavish lifestyle of the Nath family, with the BJP spotlighting Kamal Nath’s use of helicopters and contrasting it with their initiative of providing air ambulance services for the poor. This election season, the narrative battle between the two parties has extended beyond traditional campaign themes, focusing on the representation of wealth and accessibility to services among candidates.