BJP questions Priyanka and husband's declared asset value

The BJP has raised questions about the legitimacy of Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi's husband, Robert Vadra's declared assets even as Ms Vadra has filed her nomination for the Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election.

BJP national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia claimed that the assets listed in Priyanka Gandhi's election affidavit are significantly lower than the true value of what she and Vadra possess.

“The assets of Robert Vadra declared in the poll affidavit are lower than the Income Tax Department's demand,” Mr Bhatia asserted, claiming that the total tax demand stood at ₹75 crore. He described Ms Priyanka’s affidavit as a “confession of corruption” by the Gandhi family.

Priyanka's first electoral contest

On Thursday, Priyanka Gandhi filed her nomination for the Wayanad by-poll, marking her formal entry into electoral politics. However, her debut was overshadowed by the BJP's fierce criticisms, which labelled her candidature a "victory of dynastic politics and the defeat of merit".

According to her affidavit, Priyanka Gandhi had a total income of more than ₹46.39 lakh in the 2023-2024 financial year, including rental income and interest from banks and other investments.

The Congress candidate has also declared that her husband, Mr Vadra, has movable assets worth more than ₹37.9 crore and immovable assets worth over ₹27.64 crore, raising eyebrows of the BJP regarding their true valuation.

Not convinced with Gandhis' asset values

Gaurav Bhatia alleged that Priyanka Gandhi undervalued her Shimla residence, a claim that feeds into broader accusations of financial impropriety. “She has also shown the value of her house in Shimla much lower than what it is,” the BJP spokesperson alleged.

The BJP leader also questioned the legality of the Gandhis’ – Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi – property transactions stating, “There are certain restrictions on buying property in Himachal Pradesh, but the rules were bent for the Gandhi family.”

"These are people with SUVs and farmhouses, big vehicles and big bungalows.... but they do not disclose the correct value of their assets," the BJP leader said.

Mr Bhatia insisted that the Gandhi family explain the sources of their wealth. “The entire country is asking Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra to furnish the means of their ill-gotten money," he claimed. 

(By arrangement with livemint.com)