Undoubtedly the "poorest" chief minister in India, Sarkar, according to documents filed with the Election Commission, has Rs.10,800 in cash. In line with CPI-M rules, Sarkar gives away his salary to the party, which pays him Rs.5,000 a month.
Sarkar's wife Panchali Bhattacharjee, 62, who retired as a government employee in 2010, has Rs.22,015 in cash and Rs.24,52,395 as savings. The couple doesn't have any children. She said her husband still washes his clothes every morning.
"My wife's pension can sustain us. My expenses are a small pot of snuff and a cigarette a day," Sarkar said adding: "We always become happy when we see the people are laughing owing to their happiness."
After the death of his mother in 2009, Sarkar inherited a small house worth Rs.200,000 in Agartala. He donated it to his only sister, who is younger than him.
"Actions speak louder than words. Work and performance are more important than talks and speeches. A sincere attempt has been made for all-round development of Tripura," Sarkar once said.
