Mamata Banerjee is the poorest CM of India; Here’s the full list of the richest

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee continues to be the poorest among all state heads in India, with declared assets of just over Rs 15 lakh, according to the latest report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

The analysis is based on affidavits filed by chief ministers during their last assembly elections, including bypolls held after December 2024.

Wealthiest and Poorest CMs

At the other end of the spectrum, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu retains the title of the richest CM, with assets exceeding Rs 931 crore. He is followed by Arunachal Pradesh’s Pema Khandu, who has declared assets worth Rs 332 crore. These two leaders remain the only billionaires among the 31 chief ministers analysed, according to a TOI report. 

The collective wealth of the 31 CMs stands at approximately Rs 1,630 crore, as compiled by ADR.

Banerjee’s financial disclosure, filed before the Bhowanipore by-election in September 2021, shows she had Rs 69,255 in cash and a bank balance of Rs 13.5 lakh, which included Rs 1.5 lakh reserved for election expenses. Her affidavit also listed TDS receivable of Rs 1.8 lakh for FY 2019–20 and 9 grams of jewellery valued at Rs 43,837, with no mention of land or residential property in her name.

Her asset value has also seen a gradual decline over time. As per her income tax returns for 2020–21, her wealth stood at Rs 15.4 lakh, down from Rs 30.4 lakh during the 2016 assembly elections.

Among the other leaders on the lower end of the asset list, Jammu and Kashmir’s Omar Abdullah has declared wealth worth around Rs 55 lakh, while Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan reported a little over Rs 1 crore in assets.

Election Costs and Transparency Concerns

Speaking on the findings, Ujjaini Halim, coordinator for ADR and West Bengal Election Watch, noted that affidavits filed with the Election Commission are routinely forwarded to the Income Tax Department, but there is little clarity on the extent of scrutiny.

“We have to trust the documents submitted with the affidavits since it is unclear whether these declarations are thoroughly verified,” she said, as quoted by TOI.

Halim also highlighted how rising election costs are increasingly sidelining candidates with modest financial means.

“Money plays a decisive role in Indian elections today. With campaign expenditures constantly increasing, it is becoming harder for candidates from humble backgrounds to contest,” she added.