Kannir, 20 March (H.S.):Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, contesting from the Dharmadam constituency in the upcoming Assembly elections, has declared assets exceeding ₹1 crore jointly with his wife Kamala, according to the affidavit submitted along with his nomination papers.

As per the details disclosed in the sworn affidavit, Vijayan has declared assets worth ₹43.35 lakh in his name, while his wife Kamala holds assets valued at ₹60.58 lakh. The combined assets of the couple thus cross the ₹1 crore mark, offering a transparent glimpse into the financial standing of one of Kerala’s most prominent political figures.

The affidavit further reveals that Vijayan owns 78 cents of land, while Kamala possesses 17.5 cents of land in her name. In addition to immovable property, Kamala also owns 10 sovereigns of gold ornaments, as stated in the declaration.

Notably, the Chief Minister has reported that neither he nor his wife has any financial liabilities. The absence of debts or outstanding loans has been clearly mentioned in the affidavit, underscoring a clean financial record at the time of filing his nomination.

Vijayan submitted his nomination papers on Thursday morning at around 11 a.m. at the Thalassery Sub-Registrar Office. The papers were handed over to the Returning Officer, Sachin Krishnan, in the presence of election officials and supporters.

This marks Vijayan’s bid for a third consecutive term from the Dharmadam constituency, a seat he has represented since 2016. Over the years, Dharmadam has emerged as a stronghold for the Chief Minister, with his electoral performance being closely watched both within the state and nationally.

The filing of nomination papers by Vijayan is seen as a significant milestone in the election process, setting the stage for an intense political contest in the constituency. With major parties gearing up for the polls, the Dharmadam seat is expected to witness high-voltage campaigning in the days ahead.

The disclosure of assets, a mandatory requirement under election rules, plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the democratic process. Vijayan’s affidavit, like those of other candidates, will now be subject to public and media scrutiny as the election campaign gathers momentum.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman