CM Naveen Patnaik Emerges as Richest MLA in Odisha: ADR Report

Bhubaneswar: The Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR), in collaboration with Odisha Election Watch, released a report today analyzing the assets declared by candidates during the 2019 Assembly elections and subsequent bye-elections in Odisha. According to the report, BJP supremo and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik leads as the wealthiest MLA in the state, boasting total assets valued at approximately Rs 63 crore. His assets include immovable properties worth Rs 63,64,15,261 and movable assets valued at Rs 23,26,555.

Following closely is Dipali Das, a BJD legislator from Jharsuguda, who inherited her seat after her father’s assassination, Health Minister Naba Das. Her assets stand at around Rs 40 crore, with movable assets worth Rs 34,40,87,879 and immovable assets worth Rs 5,76,40,400.

Saroj Kumar Meher, representing Patnagarh in Balangir, secures the third position with total assets worth Rs 31 crore, comprising movable assets of Rs 57,49,827 and immovable assets worth Rs 30,86,05,862.

Khandapada MLA Soumya Ranjan Patnaik claims the fourth spot with assets valued at approximately Rs 30 crore.

Sanjib Kumar Mallick, representing Bhadrak, rounds up the top five richest legislators in Odisha with assets worth around Rs 19 crore.

Congress MLAs Mohammad Moquim (Barabati-Cuttack) and Suresh Kumar Rautray (Jatni) secure the sixth and seventh positions, each possessing assets worth around Rs 17 crore.

The report reveals that seven BJD MLAs, including the CM, dominate the list of the top 10 richest legislators in Odisha, while two Congress MLAs also feature prominently. Surprisingly, there’s no representation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha’s top 10 richest legislators.