BY Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, October 30, 2015 : Odisha Chief Minister and Biju Janata Dal [BJD] president Naveen Patnaik is the richest among his cabinet colleagues. And yet, he has borrowed Rs 15 lakh from his sister Geeta Mehta.

This bare fact is revealed in the latest property list filed by the CM and his ministers.

In contrast, urban development minister Pushpendra Singh Deo has bought gold worth of Rs 15 lakh for his youngest daughter.

Some of the senior ministers holding important portfolios, as well as some young ministers have not registered any increase in their property.

In 2014, Naveen has withdrawn Rs 8 lakh from his savings bank account at Hinjili. A bank account with Bank of India, New Delhi had Rs 1.93 lakh last year which has increased to Rs 15, 38, 645. Similarly, Rs 8 lakh has been deposited in his account last year.

Interestingly, some of the ministers’ property has escalated in an eye catching manner. In contrast, the loan liability of Naveen, health minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak and food supplies minister Sanjay Das Burma has increased.

While law Minister Arun Sahu is the poorest amongst his cabinet colleagues with declared property of Rs 3, 24 000, Naveen remains the richest person in his cabinet with assets worth around Rs 12 crore.
Cooperation and excise minister Damodar Rout, has just earned Rs 1 lakh in one year, while his wife had earned Rs 1.5 lakh last year. They have bought no immovable property or jewellery last year. Similarly, finance minister Pradeep Kumar Amat’s property has increased marginally by only Rs 2 lakh.

The wealth of agriculture minister Pradeep Maharathi’s family has registered an increase of Rs 47 lakh.