Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the AIADMK candidate for Erode constituency, Aatral Ashok Kumar becomes the richest contender for the polls in Tamil Nadu. As per the affidavit he filed before the Election Commission, Kumar’s net assets are worth Rs 583.48 crore making him the richest contender in the state.

Ashok Kumar, a 53-year-old resident of Erode, disclosed in his affidavit that his wife, Karunambika, daughter of BJP MLA Dr. C Saraswathi from Modakkurichi in Erode district, possesses assets valued at Rs 69.98 crore.

Also read: Rajnath Singh Denied Ticket To His Own Son, His Argument Is Thumbs Up

He declared holding Rs 10 lakh cash in hand, while his wife holds Rs 5 lakh. Additionally, both own 10.1 kg and 10.6 kg of gold respectively. Kumar’s movable assets total Rs 526.53 crore, with immovable assets, including acquired and inherited, amounting to Rs 56.95 crore.

Meanwhile, Karunambika’s movable assets stand at Rs 47.38 crore, and her immovable property is valued at Rs 22.60 crore. Neither of them has any liabilities.

Ashok Kumar is the founder and director of The Indian Public School (TIPS) and Amex Alloys Private Limited. He is also the initiator of TIPS School of Architecture, TIPS School of Management, TIPS College of Arts and Science, and the TIPS Global Institute.

Also read: Lok Sabha 2024: BJP Announces 6th List Of Candidates, Fields Kanhaiya Lal Meena From Dausa

Having graduated in electrical engineering from Coimbatore, Kumar pursued his Master’s degree from the University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA, and earned an MBA from the University of Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. He has previously worked with multinational corporations such as Microsoft and Intel before returning to India to establish educational institutions.