Arvind Kejriwal Files Nomination for Delhi Assembly Elections: Asset Declaration and Income Details Revealed
Arvind Kejriwal, the former Delhi Chief Minister and national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), officially filed his nomination on Wednesday for the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections. Kejriwal, who is contesting from the New Delhi constituency, submitted an affidavit to the Election Commission revealing his assets and financial details ahead of the February 5 polls. This declaration has sparked interest, shedding light on his wealth, income, and personal financial status.
आज नई दिल्ली से अपना नामांकन दाखिल किया।
पिछले 10 वर्षों में दिल्ली की जनता ने जो प्यार और आशीर्वाद दिया, उसने मुझे पूरी लगन और सेवाभाव से काम करने की शक्ति और प्रेरणा दी है।
मुझे पूरा विश्वास है कि दिल्ली की जनता इस बार भी काम की राजनीति को चुनेगी। pic.twitter.com/BK0aqqimVi
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) January 15, 2025
Kejriwal’s Asset Declaration: A Detailed Breakdown
Kejriwal’s affidavit shows that his total assets amount to Rs 1.73 crore, which includes both movable and immovable assets. The AAP leader has stated that he owns no house or car, aligning with his image as a leader who advocates for transparency and simplicity. His movable assets, amounting to Rs 3.46 lakh, comprise Rs 2.96 lakh in bank savings and Rs 50,000 in cash.
In terms of immovable assets, Kejriwal owns a flat in Ghaziabad, which is valued at Rs 1.7 crore. Interestingly, the affidavit also points out that Kejriwal does not have any investments in fixed deposits, shares, mutual funds, or insurance policies, which is in stark contrast to the typical financial portfolios of many politicians.
Kejriwal’s asset declaration has been a point of discussion, particularly in light of his recent sharp decline in income. For the financial year 2023-24, Kejriwal’s total annual income stands at Rs 7.21 lakh, a notable decrease from Rs 44.90 lakh in 2020. Most of his income, according to the affidavit, comes from his salary as a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA).
Sunita Kejriwal’s Assets and Income
In contrast to Arvind Kejriwal’s modest asset declaration, his wife, Sunita Kejriwal, has a significantly higher net worth. Sunita, a retired government official, has declared total assets worth Rs 2.5 crore. Her movable assets include Rs 1 crore, with 320 grams of gold valued at Rs 25 lakh and one kilogram of silver worth Rs 92,000.
Additionally, Sunita owns a house in Gurugram, valued at Rs 1.5 crore. Her annual income stands at Rs 14.10 lakh, which is more than double her husband’s income. This income primarily comes from her pension as a former government employee.
When combined, the Kejriwals’ total assets amount to Rs 4.23 crore. This represents a steady increase from previous asset declarations, with Kejriwal’s wealth growing from Rs 2.1 crore in 2015 to Rs 3.4 crore in 2020.
Pending Criminal Cases and Kejriwal’s Political Campaign
Kejriwal’s affidavit also reveals that he currently has 14 pending criminal cases against him. These cases, which stem from various political controversies, have been a point of contention among his critics, though Kejriwal has maintained that they are politically motivated.
Despite this, Kejriwal remains undeterred and focused on his campaign. Before submitting his nomination, Kejriwal, accompanied by his wife, visited the Hanuman and Valmiki temples to offer prayers. Addressing his supporters, he urged voters to evaluate his government’s performance rather than be swayed by political rhetoric and opposition attacks.
Kejriwal Faces Tough Competition in New Delhi Constituency
Arvind Kejriwal has represented the New Delhi constituency since 2013, securing victories in multiple elections. However, this time around, he faces stiff competition from Parvesh Verma of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Sandeep Dikshit from the Indian National Congress (INC). The election results, set to be announced on February 8, will determine if Kejriwal can maintain his dominance in the capital city.
Kejriwal’s focus during this election has been on his government’s achievements, including the improvements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure that the AAP has championed in Delhi. He has emphasized the importance of focusing on the work done by his administration, rather than the political drama that often surrounds Delhi elections.
Key Takeaways: Kejriwal’s Election Campaign and Financial Disclosure
Arvind Kejriwal’s decision to file his nomination and disclose his assets reflects his commitment to transparency, a value he has consistently emphasized during his political career. Despite the revelations about his and his wife’s wealth, Kejriwal’s financial disclosures have generally remained consistent with his image as a leader who leads a relatively modest lifestyle.
As Delhi prepares for the February 5 elections, the contest is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched in recent history. Kejriwal’s financial transparency, combined with his administration’s record on governance, will play a central role in his campaign. The outcome of this election will likely have significant implications not only for the AAP and Kejriwal’s future but also for the direction of Delhi’s politics.
Conclusion
As Arvind Kejriwal prepares to contest his third consecutive Delhi Assembly election from the New Delhi constituency, his asset declaration and financial status have sparked both curiosity and scrutiny. While his financial disclosure reveals a modest personal lifestyle, the steady growth in his family’s wealth over the years, particularly his wife’s income, underscores the dynamic nature of their economic situation. With his political opponents in hot pursuit, the outcome of the upcoming elections will hinge on voter perceptions of Kejriwal’s governance and his ability to navigate the ongoing political challenges.