Mamata Banerjee's Election Affidavit Highlights Modest Financial Profile
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who was previously identified as the country's poorest chief minister by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), has disclosed a total income of Rs 23.2 lakh in her latest election affidavit submitted on Wednesday. The affidavit, filed for her candidacy from the Bhowanipore Assembly constituency, shows a slight increase in income over the past five years, but no significant change in her overall asset value.
Detailed Financial Breakdown and Asset Holdings
According to the self-sworn affidavit submitted to the Election Commission of India, Banerjee's total assets are valued at Rs 15.4 lakh. This includes:
- Cash in hand: Rs 75,700
- Gold jewellery: 9.8 grams, valued at Rs 1,45,000
- Bank deposits: Approximately Rs 13 lakh across two accounts in Indian Bank
Notably, the chief minister does not own any vehicles, properties, agricultural or non-agricultural land, or houses in her name. She also has no outstanding loans or pending criminal cases against her.
Income Trends and Comparative Analysis
Banerjee's income for the financial year 2024-25 is reported as Rs 23.2 lakh, marking a rise of Rs 8 lakh compared to her 2021 affidavit. However, her income fluctuated in recent years:
- 2023-24: Rs 20.7 lakh
- Previous year: Rs 38.1 lakh
In the 2021 ADR report, which analyzed 31 chief ministers, Banerjee had the lowest declared assets at just over Rs 15 lakh. This placed her behind Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu, who topped the list with assets exceeding Rs 931 crore, and ahead of Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah (Rs 55 lakh) and Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan (Rs 1 crore). During the 2016 Assembly polls, her assets were worth Rs 30.4 lakh.
Sources of Income and Personal Background
Despite being eligible for a salary as an MLA and a pension for her tenure as a seven-time MP and four-time MLA, Banerjee has publicly stated that she draws neither. Her affidavit indicates that her only sources of income are royalties from her books and interest earned from bank deposits.
Banerjee holds an MA and an LLB degree from the University of Calcutta, underscoring her educational qualifications alongside her political career. Her financial disclosures continue to reflect a modest lifestyle compared to many of her counterparts in Indian politics.
