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The high-decibel Lok Sabha polls in the prestigious Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad) constituency have taken an intriguing turn with the wealth affidavits of the two main Shiv Sena rivals revealing a stark contrast in their financial trajectories over the past few years.
According to the nomination papers filed by Sandipan Bhumre, the sitting state Health Minister from the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction), his net worth has skyrocketed by a staggering 2.5 times during his ministerial tenure spanning 2019 to 2024. From a declared wealth of ₹2 crore in 2019, Bhumre’s assets have ballooned to a whopping ₹5.7 crore as of 2024.
In a striking contrast, his rival candidate and former MP Chandrakant Khaire, who is contesting on a Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) ticket, has witnessed a decline in his riches over the same period. Khaire’s net worth, which stood at ₹9 crore in 2019, has dipped to ₹8.83 crore, as per his latest affidavit.
The glaring disparity in the financial fortunes of the two prominent Shiv Sena faces has raised eyebrows among political observers and the general public alike, with Bhumre’s meteoric rise in wealth during his ministerial stint drawing particular scrutiny.
While both leaders flaunt their allegiance to the Shiv Sena ideology and ideals, their material possessions paint contrasting pictures. Bhumre owns a swanky Toyota Fortuner worth ₹28 lakh, while Khaire continues to hold a 1979 model Fiat car valued at a mere ₹20,000 and a ₹50,000 Safari in his wife’s name.
Interestingly, their gold holdings are comparable, with Bhumre declaring 45 tolas and Khaire 43 tolas of the precious metal.
As the high-stakes electoral battle intensifies in this crucial parliamentary constituency, the glaring disparity in the financial fortunes of the two Shiv Sena leaders is likely to become a major talking point, adding an intriguing dimension to the already heated campaign trail.
With allegations and counter-allegations expected to fly thick and fast, the wealth disclosures are certain to fuel further scrutiny and debates over the sources and legitimacy of the assets amassed by the contenders, particularly in Bhumre’s case, given the rapid escalation in his riches during his ministerial tenure.
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