Maharashtra ministers asset growth: Outgoing state cabinet ministers in Maharashtra reported notable asset increases over the past five years, with Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare among those showing substantial growth, per their latest affidavits. Shindes assets surged by 187%, rising from ₹7.81 crore to ₹22.4 crore, while Tatkare reported a staggering 772% increase, from ₹39 lakh in 2019 to ₹3.4 crore. Asset gains among ministers were primarily attributed to property acquisitions, including land and flats.What did these ministers gained or boughtTatkares wealth expansion included over 12 acres of farmland worth ₹1 crore and a non-agricultural plot worth ₹21 lakh acquired in 2020-21. Meanwhile, Public Works Minister Ravindra Chavans assets grew 117%, reaching ₹15.5 crore, including a revolver worth ₹1.5 lakh.Soil and Water Conservation Minister Sanjay Rathods net worth jumped by 220%, fueled by purchases of high-value properties, such as a ₹13 crore flat in Prabhadevi and commercial land in Nagpur. His liabilities also rose significantly.ED is looking into assets of many ministersSeveral ministers, including Ajit Pawar and Hasan Mushrif, currently face Enforcement Directorate (ED) inquiries on allegations of money laundering. Activist Shailesh Gandhi has called for rigorous checks by tax authorities on these affidavits, emphasizing the need for transparency to assess income legitimacy.In contrast to the asset surges, Malabar Hill MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha was the only minister whose net worth decreased, dropping 11% due to increased liabilities. However, the trend for most ministers indicates a significant financial upswing during their terms.
