Asset of re-contesting MLAs in TN doubles in five yrs: ADR

New Delhi, May 13: The average asset of 89 re-contesting MLAs in Tamil Nadu has doubled by Rs 4.27 crore between 2011 and 2016, with Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa witnessing an increase of over Rs 62 crore in asset, as per a survey by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

The average asset of these re-contesting MLAs fielded by various parties in 2011 was Rs 4.35 crore, while it now stands at Rs 8.63 crore in 2016, reflecting a jump of 98 per cent. AIADMK's Jayalalithaa witnessed asset increase by Rs 62 crore from Rs 51 crore in 2011 to Rs 113 crore in 2016, ADR said.

DMK's M Karunanidhi asset increased by over Rs 18 crore (Rs 44 crore in 2011 to Rs 62 crore in 2016) and that of AIADMK's R Sarathkumar rose by more than Rs 36 crore (Rs 27 crore in 2011 to Rs 64 crore in 2016), it added.

Tamil Nadu Election Watch and ADR have analysed the affidavits of 89 outgoing MLAs who are re-contesting from major parties in the 2016 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections to be held on Monday. AIADMK's 51 MLAs average asset increased by Rs 4 crore, while that of 16 DMK MLAs rose by Rs 5 crore.

Among other major parties, DMDK's 11 MLAs saw average asset increase of over Rs 2 crore, CPI four MLAs (over Rs 27 lakh), CPI(M) four MLAs (over Rs 15 lakh), Pattali Makkal Katchi two MLAs (over Rs 1 crore) and INC's one MLA (over Rs 3 crore), the survey said.

PTI