Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has emerged as the wealthiest chief minister in the Northeast and the fourth richest in India, while Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma is among the region’s least wealthy leaders, according to a report released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
The report, based on self-declared election affidavits submitted by 31 chief ministers from 28 states and three Union Territories, states that Khandu has declared assets worth Rs 332.56 crore, making him one of only four billionaire chief ministers in the country.
In comparison, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has declared assets worth Rs 14.06 crore, while Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha has reported assets of Rs 13.90 crore.
Among other Northeastern leaders, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio ranks fifth nationally with declared assets of Rs 46.95 crore, while Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has declared assets worth Rs 35.16 crore.
The report also highlights the liabilities declared by the chief ministers. Pema Khandu has reported liabilities amounting to Rs 180.27 crore, the second highest in the country after Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma ranks third nationally with declared liabilities of Rs 16.86 crore.
