The battle for Bihar's political future isn't just about ideologies and manifestos—it's also a dramatic showcase of staggering wealth disparities among the candidates. As the 2025 assembly elections heat up, an exclusive analysis of candidate affidavits reveals a tale of two extremes: crorepati politicians versus those with modest means.
The Crorepati Club: Bihar's Wealthiest Contenders
Leading the pack of affluent candidates is Sanjiv Singh from JDU, whose declared net worth reaches an astonishing ₹58 crore. This makes him not just financially formidable but also the wealthiest candidate in the entire election fray.
Close behind is Ritlal Rai, another JDU representative, with substantial assets totaling ₹37 crore. The third position goes to Sanjay Singh from BJP, who has declared wealth worth ₹32 crore, completing the top three wealthiest candidates in these elections.
The Other Side: Candidates with Modest Means
In stark contrast to these crorepati politicians stand candidates whose declared assets barely cross into lakhs. At the bottom of the wealth spectrum is Ramesh Choudhary with minimal assets valued at just ₹65,000.
Just above him in the financial ranking is Kishore Das, whose total declared wealth amounts to ₹1.5 lakh. The third poorest candidate, Manoj Tiwari, has declared assets worth ₹2 lakh, highlighting the dramatic economic divide among those seeking to represent Bihar's people.
What This Wealth Divide Reveals
The enormous gap between the richest and poorest candidates—nearly 9,000 times—raises crucial questions about money's role in Indian politics. While wealthy candidates often have better campaign resources, the presence of candidates with modest means suggests that political parties are attempting to project a more inclusive image.
This financial disclosure comes at a critical time when Bihar voters are preparing to elect their next government. The NDA alliance, led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, faces strong opposition from competing political fronts, making these elections among the most closely watched state polls of 2025.
Beyond the Numbers
While asset declarations provide a glimpse into candidates' financial status, they don't always reveal the complete picture of political influence or grassroots connect. However, they remain an important transparency tool that allows voters to make more informed decisions.
As Bihar heads toward polling day, the contrast between crorepati politicians and those with humble backgrounds adds another layer to the complex narrative of Indian democracy—where wealth and winnability often intersect in unexpected ways.
