A political controversy has erupted in Kerala after the state unit of the Congress accused BJP leader Rajeev Chandrasekhar of failing to disclose a high-value residential property in Bengaluru in his election affidavit for the upcoming Assembly polls.
In a post on X, Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee alleged that Chandrasekhar did not mention a 49,000 sq ft mansion located on a 1.07-acre plot in Koramangala, one of Bengaluru’s most premium localities. The party claimed the land value alone could be around Rs 200 crore, based on prevailing rates in the area.
The Congress further cited property tax records, alleging that tax on the property – listed as No. 408, Koramangala 3rd Block –was paid on March 17, just days before the nomination filing. It also pointed to Chandrasekhar’s 2024 affidavit, which reportedly mentions the same address as his residence.
Calling him a “habitual offender,” the Congress urged the Election Commission of India to intervene and consider disqualifying the candidate under provisions of the Representation of the People Act, questioning the impartiality of the poll body if no action is taken.
The allegations come days after Chandrasekhar, BJP’s Kerala unit chief, filed his nomination from the Nemom constituency for the April 9 Assembly elections. He is contesting against CPI(M) leader and state Education Minister V Sivankutty and Congress candidate K S Sabarinadhan.
According to the affidavit submitted with his nomination, Chandrasekhar declared total assets exceeding Rs 93 crore. His movable assets are valued at over Rs 78.81 crore, while his spouse holds assets worth over Rs 18.10 crore. These include bank deposits, investments in shares, bonds, mutual funds, and other financial instruments.
His movable assets also include jewellery and valuables worth over Rs 3.58 crore, as well as a vintage 1942 model Red Indian Scout motorcycle purchased in 1994.
The affidavit lists his immovable assets, comprising self-acquired property in Bengaluru, at over Rs 15.07 crore. It also discloses liabilities exceeding Rs 107 crore, while his spouse has debts of around Rs 1.62 crore.
Chandrasekhar reported an income of Rs 92.91 lakh for 2024-25, while his wife declared Rs 60.50 lakh.
The BJP leader, an alumnus of the Illinois Institute of Technology, is also facing two criminal cases linked to his social media remarks associating the 2023 Kalamassery blast with Hamas. The Kerala High Court has, however, directed the police not to take coercive action in those cases.
There has been no immediate response from Chandrasekhar or the BJP to the Congress’ allegations.
Source: ANI