Asset Disclosure: Sonia Gandhi Declares Assets Worth Over Rs 12.53 Crore Ahead Of Lok Sabha Elections

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi's entry into the Rajya Sabha election fray has sparked widespread interest, not just for her political maneuvering but also for the disclosure of her total assets. Sonia Gandhi, aged 77, filed her nomination, unveiling assets worth Rs 12.53 crore, as per the poll affidavit.

The declaration, although not publicly released yet, has been circulating widely on social media platforms. Copies of the reported affidavit, bearing Sonia Gandhi's name and picture, have emerged, drawing attention to the details of her financial portfolio.

Sonia Gandhi's movable assets, inclusive of jewellery, royalties from Oxford University, investments, bonds, bank deposits, and cash, are valued at Rs 6.38 crore, as outlined in the affidavit. Notably, the document also discloses her ownership of residential property inherited from her father in Italy, presently valued at Rs 26.83 lakh.

Moreover, the affidavit highlights her possession of substantial quantities of precious metals, including 88 kg of silver valued at Rs 52.7 lakh and 1.267 kg of gold worth Rs 49.95 lakh. These assets paint a vivid picture of Sonia Gandhi's financial standing, showcasing her diverse investment portfolio.

The 77-year-old, who has been a stalwart in Indian politics for decades, derives her earnings from various sources, including her salary as a Member of Parliament, royalties, interest from banks, dividends, and capital gains from mutual funds.

Interestingly, Sonia Gandhi's total assets have shown a marginal increase over the past decade, reflecting a trajectory of growth. In 2014, her reported assets were valued at Rs 9.28 crore, which rose to Rs 11.82 crore in 2019, indicating a steady accumulation of wealth over the years.

Beyond her financial disclosures, the affidavit also sheds light on Sonia Gandhi's educational qualifications. It reveals her completion of a three-year course in foreign languages (English and French) from an Italian institution and a certificate course in English language from Lennox Cook School in Cambridge, as reported by News18.

Following her nomination, Sonia Gandhi addressed the voters of the Rae Bareli constituency in Uttar Pradesh on Thursday, February 15, announcing her decision not to contest in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls. Instead, she expressed her intention to join the Rajya Sabha, signaling a strategic shift in her political trajectory.

As the biennial Rajya Sabha elections loom on February 27, with 56 seats up for grabs, Sonia Gandhi's candidacy adds a significant dimension to the political landscape. Her decision to opt for the upper house reflects a calculated move, potentially positioning her for a pivotal role in national politics while maintaining her longstanding connection with the Congress party.