Siddaramaiah’s “Cabinet Rank” Surge: BJP Slams Karnataka Govt Over Perks For 149 Congress Leaders

BENGALURU — A major political storm has erupted in Karnataka after the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government extended Cabinet and Minister of State (MoS) status to a total of 149 individuals. The move, which grants ministerial privileges—including official cars, staff, and bungalows—to dozens of party workers and board chairpersons, has been branded by the opposition as a “shameless misuse of public funds” during a fiscal crunch.

The controversy peaked on February 10, 2026, when the Leader of Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka highlighted that the number of people enjoying ministerial perks now exceeds the Congress party’s entire legislative strength of 134 MLAs.

1. The Fiscal Burden: ₹50 Crore for “Fun and Frolic”?

The primary criticism from the BJP centers on the estimated ₹50 crore annual cost to the state exchequer.

• The Allegation: R. Ashoka alleged that while the state is struggling to fund development corporations for SC/ST and Backward Classes, it is prioritizing salaries, transport, and fuel for “backdoor” ministers.
• Welfare Delays: Ashoka pointed to delays in the government’s flagship guarantee schemes, claiming beneficiaries of Gruha Lakshmi (monthly cash for women) and Anna Bhagya (free rice) have not been paid for two months and one month, respectively.
• Political Survival: The BJP claimed the Chief Minister is “distributing positions” solely to appease internal dissent and prevent a leadership challenge.

2. Breakdown of the “149 Ministers”

While the constitutional limit restricts the actual Cabinet to 34 ministers, the government has bypassed this by awarding “rank” without portfolio.

3. The Government’s Defense: “Power for Workers”

Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar remained unfazed by the criticism, asserting that the party has every right to reward those who brought it to power.

• Recognition: Shivakumar described the ranks as a “recognition of status” for dedicated party workers.
• The Counter-Attack: He reminded the BJP of their own history of board appointments and stated, “They [workers] got us to power, they will get power. More will get it.”
• Administrative Assurance: He dismissed concerns about a fund crunch, stating that the government would manage the finances of the boards and corporations internally.

4. “Pothole City” vs. VIP Perks

N. Ravikumar, the BJP’s Chief Whip in the Legislative Council, highlighted the contrast between the VIP perks and the state of the capital.

• Infrastructure Woes: Ravikumar noted that Bengaluru has turned into a “pothole city” due to a lack of development funds, while tax money is being diverted to furnish official vehicles for non-elected leaders.
• White Paper Demand: The BJP has demanded that the government release a full list of all 149 appointees and a white paper detailing the exact expenditure on their perks.