The Bihar Assembly Elections for 2025 commenced today, initiating one of the most closely monitored political competitions in India. Bihar, recognized as a significant political indicator for national trends, is in the midst of a two-phase election that will determine the state’s leadership. As political parties unveil their campaign strategies and alliances test their influence, the wealth disclosed by numerous candidates has become a focal point of interest.
An analysis by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Bihar Election Watch, examining the self-declared affidavits of 2,600 out of 2,616 candidates running in the Bihar 2025 Assembly Elections, indicates a prevalence of crorepati contenders in the state’s electoral arena. Of the total candidates, 431 come from national parties, 351 from state parties, 908 represent registered unrecognised parties, and 926 are running independently.
The report highlights that several candidates have reported assets in the hundreds of crores, underscoring the increasing financial influence within Bihar’s political domain. Leading the pack is Ran Kaushal Pratap Singh from Paschim Champaran district, contesting from Lauriya under the Vikassheel Insaan Party banner, declaring total assets valued at Rs 368 crore. This includes Rs 27 crore in movable assets and Rs 341 crore in immovable assets, establishing him as the wealthiest candidate in this election.
Following Singh is Nitish Kumar from the Rashtriya Lok Janshakti Party, competing from Gurua in Gaya district, with declared assets worth Rs 250 crore, split between Rs 31 lakh in movable assets and Rs 250 crore in immovable properties. Securing the third spot is BJP’s Kumar Pranay from Munger district, possessing assets totaling Rs 171 crore, comprising Rs 1.34 crore in movable assets and Rs 169 crore in immovable holdings.
Independent candidate Raj Kishor Gupta from Maharajganj in Siwan district ranks fourth, boasting total assets of Rs 137 crore, with Rs 1.48 crore in movable assets and Rs 136 crore in immovable properties. Coming in fifth is Anant Kumar Singh of Janata Dal (United) from Mokama in Patna district, reporting assets worth Rs 100 crore, including Rs 39.7 crore in movable assets and Rs 60.8 crore in immovable holdings.
JD(U)’s Dr Kumar Puspanjay, vying from Barbigha in Sheikhpura, follows with declared assets of Rs 94 crore, while RJD’s Arun Kumar from Tarapur in Munger stands next with assets amounting to Rs 83 crore. Sandip Kumar Singh, also known as Gopal Sandeep Singh from the Jan Suraaj Party, contesting from Maner in Patna district, secures the eighth position with total assets of Rs 80 crore, including Rs 52 crore in movable assets and Rs 28 crore in immovable properties.
Manorma Devi from JD(U), contending from Belaganj in Gaya district, is ninth on the list with assets valued at Rs 75 crore, consisting of Rs 23 crore in movable assets and Rs 66 crore in immovable properties. Lastly, Deepak Yadav from RJD, running from Narkatiaganj in Paschim Champaran, closes the top ten with declared assets of Rs 70 crore, including Rs 22 crore in movable assets and Rs 48 crore in immovable properties.
The Bihar Assembly Elections are taking place in two phases, on November 6 and November 11. Vote counting is scheduled for November 14, when the election results will be announced.