Cows, crypto, crores: A peek into what Union ministers own

New Delhi: Union ministers' latest asset declarations for 2025-26, offer a curious snapshot of political wealth - where cryptocurrency, foreign investments and multi-crore properties sit alongside cows, sheep, ageing cars and agricultural land.

An analysis of the declarations of the 30 Cabinet ministers and five ministers of state with independent charge shows portfolios that are far from uniform. The disclosures also cover spouses and dependent children. Allied-party ministers HD Kumaraswamy, Jitan Ram Manjhi and Jayant Chaudhary have made detailed disclosures. Kumaraswamy and Manjhi have even reported livestock. The former Karnataka chief minister lists 34 cows and 273 sheep, up from 52 sheep last year, while Manjhi has four cows and three calves.

Jayant Chaudhary is the only minister in the declarations reviewed to report cryptocurrency. His latest statement shows crypto assets for both himself and his wife, Charu Singh - continuing an investment disclosed last year. But while some ministers own livestock, more than half have not mentioned cars in their own name or immediate household. Cars are reported by around 15 ministers including Nitin Gadkari, Piyush Goyal, Lalan Singh, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and G Kishan Reddy. Kishan Reddy lists a 1995 Maruti 800 valued at Rs 1.1 lakh. Senior Union Ministers Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah and Nirmala Sitharaman have not declared a car; Sitharaman lists a Bajaj Chetak scooter.