Ahmedabad corporators’ assets surge sharply over five years

The personal wealth of several sitting municipal councillors in Ahmedabad has risen significantly over the past five years, according to affidavits filed ahead of the upcoming local body elections, even as voters continue to raise concerns over incomplete civic works.

Data comparing declarations submitted during the 2021 elections and those filed in 2026 indicate that the assets of a number of candidates have multiplied, ranging from twofold increases to as much as thirtyfold in some cases.

Several councillors who reportedly owned limited or no immovable assets at the time of their election in 2021 have since acquired properties, including residential units, agricultural land and plots in and around Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Viramgam and Surendranagar districts. Some have also invested in high-value properties in areas such as Bodakdev, Thaltej and Vastrapur.

In addition to real estate, disclosures show an increase in movable assets, including multiple vehicles, fixed deposits, insurance policies and investments in shares and mutual funds.

Among prominent names, the assets of former Standing Committee chairman Hitesh Barot, Devang Dani and former Revenue Committee chairman Jainik Vakil have reportedly increased two to three times during the period. The affidavit of Leader of the Opposition Shehzad Khan Pathan indicates a substantially higher rise in declared assets.

Other candidates, including BJP’s Maulik Patel from Ramol-Hathijan and Congress’s Nirav Bakshi from Dariapur, have reported acquiring land holdings over the past five years. 

BJP candidate Kamlesh Patel from Khokhra has also declared investments in shares of multiple companies.