As Mumbai prepares for the crucial Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections, the affidavits of candidates reveal a stark contrast in wealth, with a significant number declaring assets worth crores of rupees. Leading the pack is Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Makrand Narwekar, whose declared wealth has seen a meteoric rise over the past decade.
The Top Contenders: A League of Crorepatis
Makrand Narwekar, the brother of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar, has emerged as one of the wealthiest candidates. The 47-year-old two-time corporator and advocate has declared assets worth a staggering Rs 124 crore. This marks a dramatic increase from his declared assets of Rs 6.32 crore in 2017 and Rs 3.67 crore in 2012.
Narwekar attributed part of this wealth surge to strategic land investments. He purchased 27 land parcels in Alibaug between October 2022 and November 2025. He credits the appreciation in value to major infrastructure projects like the Atal Setu (Mumbai Trans Harbour Link) and the Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) ferry service to Alibaug. When questioned about his affidavit, Narwekar stated, "Everything is shown in my affidavit. I would only like to say this is a live example of India shining."
He is not alone in his affluent status. Reports indicate that around 35% of the candidates contesting the BMC elections are crorepatis. His sister-in-law, Harshita Narwekar, contesting from ward 225, has declared assets worth Rs 63.62 crore, a sharp rise from Rs 10.74 crore in 2017.
New Entrants and Political Dynasties
Close behind is Sana Abbas Qureshi, contesting from Kalina on a Samajwadi Party ticket, with declared assets of Rs 60.3 crore. A first-time candidate, Qureshi entered politics driven by the visible neglect in her area. "My family runs schools. But I realised that if you want change, you cannot only complain — you have to be a part of it," she said. She highlighted critical local issues, stating, "Sanitation is a mess. Toilets don’t even have doors. We need better hospitals, better schools. The problems are visible everywhere."
The affidavits also shed light on political families. Samadhan Sarvankar, son of former MLA Sada Sarvankar and seeking a second term as corporator, declared assets of Rs 46.59 crore, up from Rs 9.43 crore in 2017. Of this, Rs 40.59 crore is listed under immovable assets. His sister, Priya Sarvankar, contesting from Dadar Shivaji Park, declared assets worth Rs 12.16 crore.
Adding to the list of wealthy veterans is former mayor Shraddha Jadhav, the first female mayor from the Shiv Sena (2009-2012), with declared assets worth Rs 46.34 crore.
The Other Side of the Spectrum: Grassroots Candidates
The electoral fray also features candidates with modest means, highlighting the diverse socio-economic backgrounds of those seeking to represent Mumbai. Independent candidate Ashok Gupta, a pan vendor from Bandra, has declared assets of Rs 1.6 crore. Gupta, who claims to have worked for years for Sharad Pawar’s party but was denied a ticket, decided to contest independently. His assets include an SRA house worth Rs 1 crore, some savings, and his wife’s jewellery. "I want to work to make Mumbai a better city," he said.
Perhaps the most humble affidavit comes from Khandu Nana Khandekar, a rickshaw driver from Mankhurd–Govandi. Criticizing the change in attitude of some elected representatives, he said, "When auto drivers stand for elections, they go door-to-door touching people’s feet. But after they get elected, they behave like kings. I am not like that. I will never become that. So, people will vote for me."
The declarations paint a vivid picture of the upcoming BMC polls, where immense personal wealth coexists with grassroots narratives, all vying for the responsibility of governing India's financial capital.
