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Nakul Nath, the son of former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Kamal Nath, is the richest candidate contesting in the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections, according to an analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).As per his election affidavit, Nath, who is contesting from the Chhindwara constituency, has declared assets worth ₹716 crore.His wife, Priya Nath's contribution to this sum includes ₹19.2 crore in movable assets.

AIADMK's Ashok Kumar follows as second wealthiest candidate

The AIADMK's Ashok Kumar from Erode, Tamil Nadu, is the second wealthiest candidate in the first phase with declared assets amounting to over ₹662 crore.The third wealthiest is the Bharatiya Janata Party's Dhevanathan Yadav T from Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu, with assets worth ₹304 crore.Following him is the BJP's Mala Rajya Lakshmi Shah from Tehri Garhwal, with assets worth ₹206 crore. The top five list concludes with the Bahujan Samaj Party's Majid Ali, with assets worth ₹159 crore.

ADR analysis reveals 'crorepati' candidates and criminal charges

The ADR conducted an analysis of the candidates' affidavits.The findings reveal that nearly 28% of candidates in this phase are "crorepatis," owning assets exceeding ₹1 crore.On an average, each candidate possesses assets worth ₹4.51 crore.Additionally, the ADR report highlighted that around 16% or 252 out of the total 1,618 candidates have criminal cases registered against them.

Serious criminal charges against Lok Sabha candidates

Talking about criminal cases, serious charges have been registered against about 10% or 161 candidates.Seven candidates face murder charges, while 19 others are implicated in attempted murder cases.The analysis showed that 42 or 41% of the 102 seats scheduled to go to polls in the first phase of the elections are "red alert" constituencies."Red alert" constituencies are those where three or more contesting candidates have declared criminal cases in their affidavits.

Voting for Lok Sabha polls in 7 phases

The stage is set for a high-stakes political battle in which the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance is seeking a third term.On the other hand, opposition parties led by the Congress have come together under the banner—Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance—as a united front against the saffron party.The voting for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls will take place in seven phases starting from April 19.The results will be declared on June 4.