A beedi worker arranging the tendu leaves after which they get rolled. | Photo Credit: Shrabana Chatterjee Some of the richest candidates in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls are the beedi barons of Murshidabad district who are contesting from one of the poorest areas of the State, highlighting a massive gap between political wealth and worker distress. According to an analysis of candidates’ wealth done by the Association for Democratic Reforms and West Bengal Election Watch, it shows that Jakir Hossain, a beedi baron from Murshidabad’s Jangipur constituency fielded by the Trinamool Congress, is the richest candidate in the fray and has assets worth ₹133 crores. Published – April 22, 2026 08:49 pm IST Share this: Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Like this:Like Loading... Post navigation Special pooja for deities at Pavakai Mandapam Watch: Heatwave alert in Chhattisgarh, temperatures may hit 45°C