Karnataka: Siddaramaiah Government Has 34 Ministers, But 90 Individuals With 'Cabinet-Rank' Status; Here's What Congress, BJP Say

In the past eight months, the Congress-led government in Karnataka, under Siddaramaiah's leadership, has elevated approximately 56 individuals outside his council of ministers to a 'cabinet-rank' status.

This move is perceived as an attempt to pacify dissenters or those feeling overlooked for ministerial positions, according to a report from The Print.

These individuals granted cabinet rank encompass government advisers, including those for legal, media, medical and general matters, as well as chairpersons of various boards and committees.

Together with the existing 34 ministers in Siddaramaiah's government, a total of 90 individuals now hold cabinet rank in the state.

A cabinet rank entails privileges such as a staff contingent of around 14 people, residential accommodation, an office, an official vehicle with a police escort, and an increased salary, all at the Chief Minister's discretion.

Critics from the opposition BJP have accused the Siddaramaiah government of disregarding regulations by bestowing cabinet rank, citing a 2003 constitutional amendment that restricts the size of the council of ministers to 15 per cent of the lower house.

However, Congress refutes this, asserting that the limitation pertains solely to ministerial positions.

A government official clarified that individuals holding cabinet rank often lack substantial authority, emphasising it as primarily symbolic.

Moreover, political observers and insiders suggest that it's commonplace to maintain a few vacancies in the council of ministers to appease dissenting voices.

With Siddaramaiah's cabinet already full, the issuance of cabinet ranks serves as a means to address disgruntlement, particularly as the Lok Sabha elections approach.

Various individuals, including MLAs, members of the legislative council, and others, have been bestowed with cabinet rank under the Congress-led Karnataka government.

Additionally, newly appointed chairpersons of boards and corporations also hold cabinet status.

Despite the title, some individuals with cabinet rank describe their roles as largely symbolic and devoid of substantive influence.

The widespread distribution of cabinet ranks has drawn criticism from BJP leaders, who accuse the Congress of disregarding regulations and rewarding individuals disproportionately.

Former BJP MLA M P Renukacharya cited the comparatively restrained allocation of cabinet ranks during previous administrations led by B S Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai, contrasting it with the present scenario, where cabinet ranks are seemingly distributed more liberally.