RS polls: BJP nominees no match to Kharge, Gowda in assets

Bengaluru : By fielding two of its grassroots cadres for the June 19 Rajya Sabha biennial elections in four seats from Karnataka, the ruling BJP scored brownie points, as assets of its nominees are in stark contrast to that of opposition Congress contestant Mallikarjun Kharge and JD-S candidate H.D. Deve Gowda, who are modest 'crorepatis'.

According to affidavits, the four candidates filed along with their nominations on June 9, BJP's candidate Ashok Gasti from Raichur district in the state's northern region does not even own a car, not filed income tax returns and has only Rs 1 lakh in cash.

"In contrast, Kharge declared assets valued at Rs 9.8 crore, while his wife's assets are valued at Rs 9.2 crore," his affidavit revealed.

Kharge's liabilities, including that of his wife's are Rs 23.7 lakh.

Similarly, BJP's other nominee - Iranna Kadadi from Belagavi in the state's northwest region, owns assets worth Rs 2.32 crore, as per his affidavit.

Some of the assets in the movable category of Kadadi include a revolver worth Rs 60,000 and a petrol bunk with working capital and assets valued at Rs 45.6 lakh.

His liabilities are estimated to be Rs 1.9 lakh, according to his affidavit.

On the other hand, Gowda, 87, declared assets valued at Rs 1.13 crore while his wife's assets are worth Rs 7.4 crore.

Gasti, 56, and his family members, including wife and two daughters, did not file I-T returns over the past five years, as their income was below the limit.

"As income tax below limit hence no return of income filed," said Gasti's affidavit.

Gasti, his wife and one daughter have insurance policies for an assured sum of Rs 1.5 lakh and Rs 1 lakh respectively. He and his family have no liabilities.

He rides a two-wheeler he bought for Rs 25,000 in 2007. He had a scooter worth Rs 3,500 bought in 1996.

"Gasti's wife and daughters have gold ornaments weighing 110 grams," said his affidavit.

His total assets have been valued at Rs 2,85,673 while that of his wife and two daughters Rs 8,54,375.

Showing his humble background, Gasti has a 2,400-square feet plot worth Rs 8 lakh at Panchamum colony in Raichur town, about 490 km north of Bengaluru.