India, Aug. 28 -- Contrary to expectations and perceptions, Indian chief ministers are relatively poor. Just about half of the 30 individuals, who rule the States and Union Territories, possess wealth ranging between Rs 1 crore and Rs 10 crore. Such figures match with most of the urban middle-class families that own a house in the megapolises. The market price of a reasonable-size house in Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru is more than a crore of rupees.

Although such households struggle with daily expenses, in terms of wealth, they are as rich or richer than the chief ministers (CMs). The difference: CMs are entitled to official accommodations, vehicles, tour and travel reimbursements, medical benefits and pensions, among other perks and allow...