A financial declaration

Here are the figures:

2004

Cash: Rs 1.50 lakh
Bank deposits: Rs 9.78 crore
Other investments: Rs 30.94 lakh
Buildings: Rs 1.25 crore

2007

Cash: Rs 50.27 lakh
Bank deposits: Rs 12.88 crore
Other investments: Rs 50.87 lakh
Property: Rs 36.84 crore

If these figures were the summary of the financial statement of a company, then this company would be doing well for itself. Within 3 years it's asset value has increased 400%. But this is no company we're talking about. This is the declaration of Mayawati in the mentioned years, declared prior to the general and council elections respectively.

The latest declaration comes at a time when she has a CBI case of disproportionate assets against her, involving just half the declared figure(Rs. 28 crore). When seen in that light the audacity of the declaration seems more pronounced. However do not rush to assume that Mayawati is inviting trouble home. She is a seasoned politician(read corrupt, manipulative individual), she has played her cards well. The Congress at the centre needs her now, her support was crucial for the success of the UNPA candidate at the presidential elections. And to retain that support, the Congress will keep the CBI on a leash.

As of now the people have no option but to helplessly watch the swindling of public money and the temerity of our politicians to declare it.