Surendranagar: Raju Karpada, former chief of the Aam Aadmi Party’s Kisan Wing, who recently left the party to join the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, is contesting the Surendranagar District Panchayat elections on a BJP ticket from the Muli-2 seat. Details disclosed in his election affidavit indicate a sharp rise in his assets, liabilities, and criminal cases over the past few years.

A comparison with his 2022 affidavit, filed during the Chotila Assembly elections, shows that Karpada’s total assets have increased significantly—from ₹61 lakh to ₹3.12 crore in just three and a half years.

A major portion of this increase is attributed to land holdings. Of the 55 bighas of land he currently owns, nearly 40 bighas were reportedly acquired within the first five months of 2023. His total landholding now stands at approximately 9.21 hectares, valued at ₹1.89 crore, up from ₹25 lakh earlier.

His movable assets have also seen a notable rise. The value of gold and silver owned by Karpada and his wife has increased from ₹12.50 lakh to ₹69 lakh. His wife now reportedly owns 400 grams of gold worth ₹60 lakh, compared to 200 grams valued at ₹10 lakh earlier.

Karpada’s vehicle fleet has also expanded and now comprises five vehicles, including an Innova Crysta and a Maruti Ertiga, with a combined estimated value of ₹28.50 lakh.

Alongside assets, his liabilities have also grown. According to the affidavit, his outstanding bank loans have nearly doubled—from ₹24.97 lakh in 2022 to ₹48.59 lakh in 2026.

The affidavit further indicates an increase in criminal cases. While three cases were registered against him in 2022, the number has now risen to six. DeshGujarat