From vintage bikes to multi-crore portfolios: Mapping candidate assets in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the Kerala Assembly elections of 2026 approach, the financial disclosures of key candidates in Thiruvananthapuram have drawn significant public interest. The affidavits filed alongside nomination papers reveal a stark contrast in wealth among the contenders, ranging from multi-millionaires to those with modest savings.

Rajeev Chandrasekhar: High Assets and Heavy Liabilities

Leading the list in terms of sheer asset value is the BJP State President and NDA candidate for Nemom, Rajeev Chandrasekhar. According to his latest filing, the combined assets of Chandrasekhar and his wife stand at 111.98 crores. Individually, Chandrasekhar holds assets worth 93.88 crores, which includes movable and immovable properties valued at 78.81 crores and agricultural land worth 19.34 lakhs. Interestingly, while he does not own a car, he maintains a vintage 1942 model red Indian Scout motorcycle. Despite these substantial holdings, he also carries significant financial burdens, with liabilities exceeding 107 crores. His wife's assets are valued at 18.10 crores, with movable and immovable properties totaling 14.31 crores and a debt of 1.62 crores. This represents a sharp increase from the 28.09 crores in assets he declared during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

LDF and UDF: Mid-Range Holdings

In the same constituency of Nemom, LDF candidate and Minister V. Sivankutty has declared total assets of 2.29 crores. His portfolio includes a 2,000 sq ft house valued at 1 crore and investments worth 27 lakhs. His wife’s assets, which include land, are slightly higher at 2.47 crores.

Meanwhile, in Thiruvananthapuram constituency, UDF candidate C. P. John has reported a 2,900 sq ft house and cash/deposits of 2.85 lakhs. His wife’s assets are valued at 86.10 lakhs, a figure that includes 45 sovereigns of gold.

V. Muraleedharan and V. Joy

BJP candidate V. Muraleedharan, contesting in the region, has disclosed investments of 9.37 lakhs and total assets of 20.71 lakhs, including gold. His wife holds a bank deposit of 19 lakhs, 164 grams of gold, and land valued at 52.7 lakhs.

In Varkala, CPM candidate V. Joy has declared assets worth 26 lakhs, encompassing gold, investments, and land. His wife’s assets are slightly higher at 29.87 lakhs, which includes 80 grams of gold.

Modest declarations

On the other end of the spectrum, T. Saratchandra Prasad, the UDF candidate from Kazhakoottam, has reported some of the most modest figures. His total assets, including bank deposits, amount to 1 lakh. While he owns a flat near the Secretariat, he also carries a loan liability of 3 lakhs.