BJP candidate Palash Rana, contesting from Raidighi, emerges as the wealthiest candidate in this phase, with total declared assets exceeding ₹104 crore.

As West Bengal moves into Phase 2 of its Assembly elections, an analysis of candidate affidavits reveals sharp disparities in wealth alongside a notable presence of candidates with criminal cases.

BJP candidate Palash Rana, contesting from Raidighi, emerges as the wealthiest candidate in this phase, with total declared assets exceeding ₹104 crore. He is engaged in multiple businesses, including fishing and fishing boats, retail of gold and silver, and operates a petrol pump.

His wealth is largely driven by immovable assets worth ₹82 crore, including commercial properties valued at about ₹64.5 crore and residential assets of ₹9.5 crore.

Rana’s movable assets, amounting to over ₹21.5 crore, include equity holdings of more than ₹16 crore in private firms, vehicles worth over ₹2.6 crore, and jewellery valued at ₹1.3 crore.

Samir Chakraborty of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), a senior leader and spokesperson, is also among the wealthiest candidates, with movable assets of ₹46.7 crore and immovable assets worth ₹29.5 crore. A former MLA from Taldangra, he skipped the 2021 elections to focus on statewide campaigning and returns to the fray in 2026 from Pandua in Hooghly district.

His portfolio is investment-heavy, with over ₹27 crore in shares and around ₹17 crore in bank deposits. His real estate holdings include properties in Kolkata and overseas.

Other candidates in the wealthiest list include Ahmed Javed Khan and Somenath Shyam Ichini of AITC, and Swaraj Ghosh of BJP.

At the opposite end, independent candidate Dilip Sanfui and Kaushik Mondal, along with Sekh Mohinuddin of Amra Bangalee, have reported movable assets between ₹1,000 and ₹1,500, with no immovable property.

Lowest bracket

Others in the lowest bracket include Satyajit Polley (Aam Janata Unnayan Party) and Sudip Das (INC), both declaring assets of ₹2,000, with no immovable assets declared

Party-wise, AITC leads in fielding high-net-worth candidates, with 18 nominees declaring assets over ₹10 crore. The BJP follows with 9 such candidates, while the Congress has 2. Independents and CPI(M) have one candidate each.

Of the 142 constituencies going to polls in this phase, 44 per cent have been classified as “red alert” constituencies, where three or more contesting candidates have declared criminal cases.

The BJP has the highest share of candidates with criminal cases at 72 per cent, followed by CPI(M) at 51 per cent, AITC at 35 per cent, and the Congress at 26 per cent.

The candidate pool also reflects broader demographic trends. Of the total candidates analysed, 49 per cent are graduates or above, while women candidates account for 13 per cent.

There are four candidates who have declared zero assets, and one prominent candidate, Arjun Singh (BJP) from Noapara, could not be analysed due to incomplete or poorly scanned affidavit submissions.

With inputs from Aleena Rose Jose

Published on April 27, 2026