The assets of most MLAs who re-contested elections have grown by leaps and bounds in the last five years. Some have even registered a phenomenal rise of over 1,000%.
According to data of the 74 not-so-new MLAs released by the association for democratic reforms (ADR), Kewal Singh Dhillon of Congress has shown the highest increase in assets -- of 1,048%. He is closely followed by party MLA Sunil Kumar Jakhar, with 1256% jump in assets. Dhillon's assets increased from Rs 6.83 crores in 2007 to Rs 78.51 crores, and Jakhar's rose from Rs 50.45 lakhs in 2007 to Rs 6.84 crores in 2012.
There is another politician giving Dhillon a tough competition -- Adeish Partap Singh Kairon of Shiromani Akali Dal. Kairon's assets have increased by Rs 30.41 crores -- from Rs 20.81 crores in 2007 to Rs 51.23 crores this year. Deputy chief minister Sukhbir Badal's assets increased by Rs 22.87 crores -- from Rs 67.98 crores in 2007 to Rs 90.86 crores. Former SAD minister Tota Singh's assets rose from Rs 3.34 crores in 2007 to Rs 15.90 crores.
Other MLAs who saw a spectacular jump in their assets include Navtej Singh of Congress and Hardyal Singh Kamboj, from Rs 21.15 lakhs and Rs 42.89 lakhs in 2007 to Rs 2.44 crores and Rs 4.92 crores respectively.
The data reveals that 32 Congress MLAs registered highest average increase of 198%, followed by BJP's eight MLAs with 77% rise. In case of SAD, 33 MLAs registered an average growth of 8% in their assets.
The average increase in the assets of 74 MLAs has been recorded at 60%, the report reveals.
There are only four politicians in the list including Punjab chief minister Parkash Singh Badal and BJP legislature party leader Chunni Lal Bhagat whose assets show a decline in the last five years. Badal's assets have come down from Rs 9.20 crores in 2007 to Rs 6.75 crores in 2012 and Bhagat's from Rs 4.66 crores in 2007 to Rs 1.67 crores in 2012.
Top 5 MLAs with highest asset increase in rupees
Name Assets in 2007 Assets in 2012
Kewal Singh Dhillon Rs 6.83cr Rs 78.51cr
Adeish Partap Singh KaironRs 20.82cr Rs 51.23cr
Sukhbir Badal Rs 67.98crRs 90.86cr
Tota SinghRs 3.33crRs 19.24cr
S K DawarRs 2.42crRs 16.72cr
MLAs with highest asset increase in percentage
Name %age
Sunil Kumar Jakhar 1256%
Navtej Singh 1057%
Kewal Singh Dhillon 1048%
Hardyal Singh Kamboj 1047%
