A report released by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) on the representation and financial status of women in Indian politics has drawn attention to the significant wealth held by several women public representatives.
According to the report, 14 women representatives across the country qualify as billionaires, with their combined assets valued at Rs 8,234 crore.
The findings have particularly drawn attention to Andhra Pradesh, where the top three richest women public representatives in the country are MLAs from the state.
Topping the list is Vemireddy Prasanthi Reddy, the Telugu Desam Party MLA from Kovur in Nellore district, who has declared assets worth Rs 716.33 crore. She ranks as the richest woman public representative in India.
The second position is held by TDP MLA Reddappa Gari Madhavi from Kadapa, with declared assets worth Rs 388.10 crore.
Lokam Madhavi, the Jana Sena Party MLA from Nellimarla in Vizianagaram district, ranks third with assets valued at Rs 291.17 crore.
The ADR report is based on affidavits submitted by candidates during the 2024 assembly elections. The study also examined the wealth of women representatives in Andhra Pradesh who possess assets exceeding Rs 100 crore.
According to the report, there are currently 24 women MPs and MLAs from the state. Their combined declared assets amount to Rs 1,781.32 crore, with the average wealth of a woman public representative in Andhra Pradesh estimated at around Rs 74 crore.
In comparison, Telangana has 11 sitting women MPs and MLAs whose combined assets are valued at Rs 159.03 crore.
The average wealth of a woman representative in Telangana is approximately Rs 14.45 crore, significantly lower than that in Andhra Pradesh.
At the national level, women constitute only 476 out of the total 4,766 MPs and MLAs across the country—around 10 percent representation.
Together, these 476 women representatives hold assets worth Rs 8,234 crore, with the average wealth per representative standing at Rs 17.30 crore.
