More 'crorepatis' likely in Nagaland

Although disclosure of assets before the EC has revealed 58 'crorepatis' in Nagaland, in many cases valuation of immovable properties was not assessed as per prevailing market rates, two NGOs have alleged.

Although disclosure of assets before the Election Commission has revealed 58 'crorepatis' in Nagaland, in many cases valuation of immovable properties was not assessed as per prevailing market rates, two NGOs have alleged.

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The NGOs collected and analysed the affidavits filed by contesting candidates for the March 5 assembly election in the state.

The number of millionaires from the regional Nagaland People's Front (NPF) is double their counterparts in Congress party, disclosure of assets list reveals.

"Nagaland Election Watch", an exercise initiated by Delhi-based Association for Democratic Reforms in collaboration with Youth Net of Nagaland, found that as per disclosure of assets before returning officers there were 58 candidates (26.60 per cent) whose properties, including movable and immovable, valued at over Rs one crore.

National coordinator Pawan Rana and state coordinator of Election Watch Hekani Jakhalu told newsmen here today that the properties amassed by the politicians in the fray and average income of common men reinforced the fact that the gap between rich and poor in the state was ever increasing.