Kolkata: Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, has once again been named the poorest chief minister in India, with a total asset worth ₹15 lakh. This information comes from a report by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR), which indicates that her wealth has decreased over the past three years. In the 2021 assembly elections, Banerjee had declared assets amounting to ₹16.72 lakh.
Known for her simplicity and integrity, Mamata Banerjee has been serving as the chief minister for 13 years. Before assuming this role, she held positions as a central minister and a member of Parliament. Despite being eligible for a monthly pension of up to ₹50,000 from the central government, she has not claimed this amount since 2011.
In West Bengal, the salary for the Chief Minister is set at ₹2.1 lakh per month; however, Mamata chooses not to accept this salary either, opting instead to donate it to the state treasury. “I do not even drink tea made with government money,” she stated in an interview, emphasising her commitment to self-sufficiency.
Mamata has a passion for painting and writing and has authored several books in English and Bengali, including “Slaughter of Democracy” and “My Unforgettable Memories.” The royalties from these books constitute a significant part of her income. She receives these royalties through “Jago Bangla,” the primary publication of her party, the Trinamool Congress.
When Mamata became Chief Minister, discussions arose about her moving into a newly prepared official residence at 11 Belvedere Road in Alipore. However, she declined this offer and continues to reside in her modest home located at 30B Harish Chatterjee Street in Kalighat, which is situated near a polluted drain.
Mamata drives a Santro car within Kolkata and opts for a Mahindra Scorpio or Bolero when travelling outside the city. She often prefers walking short distances and maintains a routine of walking on a treadmill for 15-20 minutes each morning.
For breakfast, she enjoys puffed rice paired with tea and has expressed her fondness for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. Her favourite meals include “macher jhol” (fish curry) served with rice, and she also relishes ice cream and dhokla. During trips to Darjeeling, she never misses out on enjoying momos, with many pictures of her indulging in them circulating on social media.
Mamata’s signature style includes wearing cotton sarees and flip-flops. Since 2009, she has favoured sarees from Dhanekhali, which cost between ₹300-350. This choice is rooted in her initiative to support local weavers who were facing economic hardships by promoting their products.
Through her actions and lifestyle choices, Mamata Banerjee continues to exemplify a leader dedicated to simplicity and public service while navigating the complexities of Indian politics.
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