A candidate in India’s upcoming election is facing scrutiny over allegations he failed to disclose significant property holdings. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, a candidate representing the National Democratic Alliance in Nemam, had his nomination papers initially reviewed following claims he concealed assets worth approximately $26.5 million (200 crore Indian rupees) in Bangalore.
K.S. Shabarindathan, the United Democratic Front candidate, brought the allegations forward, claiming Chandrasekhar omitted details about the property from his filing. The review of the nomination was temporarily paused as a result. Chandrasekhar expressed his satisfaction after his nomination was ultimately accepted. “I am happy that the nomination was accepted,” he said.
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Shabarindathan alleged that Chandrasekhar failed to report property valued at $26.5 million in his affidavit. He stated he would file a complaint with the Election Commission. Chandrasekhar dismissed the accusations as baseless and suggested the Congress party take the matter to court.
Chandrasekhar asserted that It’s a recurring tactic for the Congress party to launch personal attacks during election cycles. “Every election, they resort to personal attacks. First, they said the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Bharatiya Janata Party had a deal. When that didn’t work, they started attacking me,” he said. He added that people are looking for development, not controversy, and that the Congress lacks the ability to deliver. “The allegations being made are completely false,” Chandrasekhar stated.
V. Sivankutty, the Left Democratic Front candidate, noted that there is talk of Chandrasekhar not disclosing even 25% of his assets, though he said his campaign does not currently have proof of this. He indicated the Election Commission should investigate the claims, but added there is no intention to push for the rejection of Chandrasekhar’s nomination. “Let the political contest take place,” Sivankutty said.
According to a post on the Congress party’s X platform, the alleged undisclosed property is a mansion in Koramangala, Bangalore, spanning approximately 49,000 square feet. The land, reportedly covering 1.5 acres, is located in one of the most expensive areas of the country, with prices ranging from $380 to $535 per square foot. The Congress party shared a link to the property’s tax record, stating it was paid on March 17 and is available for public review.
The Congress alleges that Chandrasekhar recorded the property in his 2024 affidavit, suggesting an attempt to mislead the Election Commission. The party is calling for the Election Commission to intervene and take action. According to the nomination papers filed on an earlier date, Chandrasekhar reported total assets of approximately $100 million (93.88 crore Indian rupees).
Chandrasekhar’s reported assets include a home in Koramangala, Karnataka, valued at $15.6 million (15.07 crore Indian rupees) and 9,600 square feet, jewelry including 369.12 grams of gold and diamonds worth approximately $3.8 million (3.58 crore Indian rupees), a 1942 model car valued at $10,000, $500,000 in interest income, investments in shares and bonds totaling $38.3 million, fixed deposits in banks worth $4.6 million, and loans issued through his companies totaling $37.4 million. He reported holding approximately $650 in cash. His declared annual income is approximately $98,000 (92.91 lakh Indian rupees).
His wife, Anju, has an annual income of approximately $66,000 (60.50 lakh Indian rupees). Her total assets, including jewelry worth $9.1 million (9.08 crore Indian rupees), are valued at approximately $19.5 million (18.10 crore Indian rupees), and she holds approximately $3,500 in cash. Chandrasekhar has liabilities totaling approximately $118.8 million, while his wife has liabilities of approximately $1.7 million. Chandrasekhar is similarly facing a criminal case in Ernakulam related to his social media response to an explosion in Kalamassery.
