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The decision comes amid criticism over horticulture development corporation chairperson BD Bhukanth’s ministerial status, granted on February 7, under a Congress government
So far, the Siddaramaiah-led government has granted a total of 149 cabinet or minister of state ranks in Karnataka. (Image: PTI/File)
Amid severe backlash, the ruling Congress in Karnataka has withdrawn the cabinet rank given to BJP leader BD Bhukanth, who is the chairman of the horticulture development corporation.
The state government earlier granted ministerial rank to 54 corporation and board chairpersons. The decision comes amid criticism over Bhukanth’s ministerial status, which was granted on February 7, under a Congress government.
The move triggered outrage with questions raised about extending such privileges across party lines. So far, the Siddaramaiah-led government has granted a total of 149 cabinet or minister of state ranks in Karnataka.
This breakup includes 32 full-fledged cabinet ministers constitutionally appointed, 43 Congress MLAs with cabinet rank as chairpersons of different corporations and boards, and 11 MLAs with minister of state status as heads of smaller corporations. In addition, nine non-MLAs, including advisers and special representatives, have been granted cabinet rank while 54 non-MLAs – largely Congress leaders and workers – have been accorded minister of state status.
Each is entitled to a monthly salary of Rs 50,000, hospitality allowance of Rs 3,000, daily allowances of Rs 2,000 within the state and Rs 2,500 outside, 1,000 litres of fuel per month (valued at about Rs 1 lakh), house rent allowance of Rs 80,000, house maintenance and staff allowance of Rs 20,000, along with personal staff and medical reimbursement. They also receive protocol equivalent to state ministers at government functions.
While the opposition has questioned the mounting financial burden on the state exchequer with the scale of appointments, the state government has defended its decision to confer ministerial ranks on party leaders and workers.
Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar justified the move, saying those who worked to bring the party to power deserve recognition.
“They have got us to power, they will get power. It’s about status. More will get it,” he said, signalling that such appointments could continue.
February 11, 2026, 19:23 IST
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