The upcoming Kerala Assembly Elections of 2026 has been not only filled with political drama but also eye-opening declarations of wealth. The percentage of the candidates who are crorepati is approximately 39 percent as opposed to 27 percent in 2021. There are a total of 863 candidates out of which 221 are believed to have assets worth more than 1 crore.
Kerala Legislative Assembly elections were conducted on 9 April 2026 to elect 140 members of Kerala Legislative Assembly. The results will be announced on 4 May 2026.
Here is a look at the 5 richest candidates contesting the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026.
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Kerala Richest Candidates List 2026
1. Reji Cheriyan
Reji Cheriyan, is contesting from Kuttanad constituency and he is the richest candidate. He is a candidate of the Kerala Congress (KEC) under the United Democratic Front (UDF). His net assets, overall, amount to 218 crore and immovable assets of 210.05 crore and movable assets of 8.91 crore. He possesses jewellery worth almost 40 lakh, fancy cars like a Mercedes-Benz, houseboats etc.
2. Chenkal Rajasekharan
Chenkal Rajasekharan is an educationist, hotelier and BJP candidate of the Neyyattinkara constituency. He is said to be having a total asset of 116 crore. He owns almost 79 crore hospitality and estate companies. Moreover, he owns immovable property worth 33.74 crore. Coming in second, Rajasekharan's wealth is largely driven by his extensive investments in the hospitality and real estate sectors.
3. Rajeev Chandrasekhar
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, BJP state president is also running in Nemom constituency in Thiruvananthapuram. His affidavit confirms a total of 111 crore of assets (almost 78 crore of movable assets and 15 crore of immovable assets). He is a son in law of the founder of BPL Group T.P.G. Nambiar.
His investment in shares, bonds, mutual funds and in business loans is a significant addition to his enormous wealth.
4. Shibu Theckumpuram
The Kerala congress (EC) candidate Shibu Theckumpuram has over 68 crores of assets. He is fourth on this list and represents the growing trend of business-backed candidates entering Kerala's political arena under the UDF banner.
5. P.V. Anvar
P. V. Anvar is an Independent candidate in the 2026 Kerala Assembly Elections, a candidate of Beypore. He is worth over 65 crore.
Key Takeaways
Kerala Assembly Elections of 2026 indicate that the financial portrait of candidates in the state have significantly shifted. The rise in crorepati candidates (27% in 2021 and 39% in 2026) could be regarded as one of the signs of a more proactive participation of the business communities and entrepreneurs in the state level politics.
The 2026 Kerala Assembly Elections reflect a notable shift in the financial profile of candidates across the state. The sharp rise in crorepati candidates from 27% in 2021 to 39% in 2026 signals increasing involvement of business communities and entrepreneurs in state-level politics.
