Over the past eight months, the Congress-led government in Karnataka, under Siddaramaiah’s leadership, has granted ‘cabinet-rank’ status to approximately 56 individuals outside of his council of ministers. This move is perceived as an effort to appease dissenters or those disappointed at not being included in the ministerial lineup. Among those bestowed with this status are government advisers—ranging from legal and media advisers to medical and even ‘general’ advisers—as well as chairpersons of various boards and committees.
In addition to the 34 ministers in Siddaramaiah’s government, a total of 90 individuals hold cabinet rank in the state. Holding a cabinet rank entails privileges such as a staff of around 14 people, a residence, an office, an official vehicle with police escort, and an increased salary, all at the Chief Minister’s discretion.
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized the Siddaramaiah government for allegedly disregarding regulations by granting cabinet rank, citing a 2003 constitutional amendment that limits the size of the council of ministers to 15 percent of the lower house.
However, the Congress refutes these claims, asserting that the limitations pertain solely to ministerial positions. According to a government official, individuals holding cabinet rank may possess status but lack significant authority. Senior Congress leader V.S. Ugrappa echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that most individuals with cabinet rank do not wield substantial power.
Basavaraj Rayareddy, appointed as the ‘economic adviser’ to the Chief Minister, stated that he does not utilize the additional compensation or benefits associated with cabinet rank.
Political analysts and insiders, speaking anonymously, noted that it is customary to maintain four to five vacancies in the council of ministers to address any dissenting voices. With Siddaramaiah’s cabinet currently at full capacity, granting cabinet rank serves as a means to manage discontent, particularly as the Lok Sabha elections approach.
Under the Congress-led Karnataka government, as per government records, 77 MLAs, four members of the legislative council, and nine others currently hold cabinet rank. Additionally, all 34 recently appointed chairpersons of boards and corporations have been granted cabinet status.
In early January, Siddaramaiah announced the formation of a multi-level committee to oversee the efficient implementation of the government’s flagship guarantee schemes. This committee, consisting of 31 members, will have the chairperson holding cabinet rank, with the five vice-chairpersons designated as ministers of state.
Among those holding cabinet-rank status are individuals such as Sunil Kanugolu, a poll strategist serving as a ‘special adviser’ to the CM, and political secretaries Naseer Ahmed and K. Govindaraj, both members of the legislative council. Notable figures include A.S. Ponnanna, serving as the legal adviser, and K.V. Prabhakar, the media adviser.
Furthermore, party whips in both the Upper and Lower House hold cabinet ranks, alongside individuals like Dr. H. Ravikumar, appointed as the medical adviser, and former IAS officer B.S. Patil, serving as an adviser on urban affairs and ‘Brand Bengaluru’ expert. Dr. Aarathi Krishna, named the vice-president of the NRI cell, also holds cabinet-rank status.
In December, following public expressions of discontent over being overlooked for ministerial positions, senior leaders R.V. Deshpande, Basavaraj Rayareddy, and B.R. Patil were granted cabinet ranks. Deshpande now chairs the administrative reforms commission, while Rayareddy serves as the economic adviser to the CM and Patil as a ‘general’ adviser. Representatives to Delhi, T.B. Jayachandra and Parkash Hukkeri, also enjoy cabinet status.
The BJP has raised concerns over the Siddaramaiah government’s decision to grant cabinet-rank status to numerous individuals. C.T. Ravi, a senior BJP leader, criticized the move, alleging that it disregards regulations and rewards party affiliates. Former BJP MLA M.P. Renukacharya echoed these sentiments, highlighting that previous governments under Yediyurappa and Bommai limited such appointments to a select few, typically conferring minister-of-state rank to board chairpersons.
