ET Graphics: Average assets of Kerala winning candidates double to Rs 7 crore since 2021

Average assets per winning candidate have doubled since the last election in 2021, rising from Rs 3 crore to Rs 7 crore, according to an analysis by the non-profit Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and citizen-led initiative Kerala Election Watch. The report analysed the self-sworn affidavits of 135 out of 140 winning candidates in the Kerala 2026 Assembly elections.

This comes as the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) has returned to power, defeating Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF). The UDF won 102 seats, while LDF was reduced to 35 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) opened their account in the state, winning three seats.

Wealth distribution by political party

Kerala Congress and BJP winners are far wealthier on average than their counterparts in the major coalitions. Among coalition parties, Indian National Congress winners hold significantly more assets on average than CPI(M) winners.

Among 55 re-elected MLAs, average assets rose 20% over five years, the report said. While some individual re-elected members like Mathew Kuzhalnadan saw assets rise by over Rs 5 crore, others, such as Mani C Kappen, reported a decrease of over Rs 6 crore during the same period.
(AI image & graphic: Seshadri Vasu)