In a revelation that captivated the political landscape of Odisha, Santrupt Misra, the former HR head of Aditya Birla Group, emerged as the wealthiest candidate in the Lok Sabha elections, representing the BJD from Cuttack. As reported by the Times of India (TOI),Santrupt Misra’s declared assets stood at an astounding Rs 461 crore, positioning him at the apex of financial influence in the electoral arena.
At 58 years old,Santrupt Misra’s foray into politics came in February when he decided to transition from his corporate career to join the BJD, following his voluntary retirement from the Aditya Birla Group. The meticulous examination of his income tax returns, as outlined by TOI, illustrated a notable earnings trajectory, with Rs 76.23 crore recorded in 2021-22 and Rs 66.21 crore in 2022-23.
Delving into the specifics of Santrupt Misra’s asset portfolio, his affidavit submitted during the nomination process shed light on his substantial wealth. Movable assets valued at Rs 408 crore and immovable assets worth Rs 53 crore, including Rs 4 crore stashed in bank deposits, painted a picture of financial abundance. Furthermore, TOI reported the current value of Misra’s investments in mutual funds, alternate investment funds, bonds, and shares to be approximately Rs 308 crore. Notably,Santrupt Misra’s ownership of a fleet of luxury cars exceeding Rs 2.3 crore and his wife’s movable assets valued at Rs 11.72 crore further enriched their financial standing.
Despite the absence of immovable property holdings in Odisha,Santrupt Misra’s asset empire extended beyond the state’s borders. His ownership of agricultural land in Maharashtra’s Raigad district, coupled with residential properties in Hyderabad and Mumbai, underscored a diversified asset portfolio with far-reaching implications.
Santrupt Misra’s ascent as the wealthiest candidate underscored the convergence of corporate prowess and political ambition, signalling a significant shift in his career trajectory. However, his substantial wealth declaration also invited scrutiny, placing his financial background under the microscope as the electoral saga unfolded in Odisha.
As Santrupt Misra vied for political representation in Cuttack, his candidacy epitomised the fusion of economic influence and political aspirations, shaping the dynamics of the electoral contest and sparking crucial conversations about wealth and power in the realm of politics.
