With the first phase of the Jharkhand assembly election over yesterday and the Maharashtra polls scheduled for November 20, a scrutiny of candidates’ affidavits has once again sparked public interest. These affidavits, submitted to the Election Commission, offer a rare window into the personal assets, criminal backgrounds, and financial growth of those seeking public office. Beyond the usual revelations of wealth and criminal cases, some unexpected details ~ such as firearm ownership and luxury purchases ~ shed light on the shifting nature of Indian politics.
One of the most striking aspects of the recent disclosures is the ownership of firearms among prominent political leaders. Both Hemant Soren, the chief minister of Jharkhand, and Eknath Shinde, the Maharashtra chief minister, have declared owning firearms. This raises important questions about the relationship between personal security and public responsibility.
While both men oversee the home departments of their respective states, the choice to arm themselves reflects a broader trend where political figures seem to distrust state apparatus or seek to project strength in a volatile political landscape. In Jharkhand, candidates such as Champai Soren and Sita Soren, who are contesting on opposing party tickets, have also declared firearms among their assets. This is particularly interesting considering the state’s complex socio-political dynamics.
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