DK Shivakumar Defends Cabinet Rank for Party Workers, BJP Objects to 'Taxpayer Burden'

• Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar defended giving cabinet rank to party workers, citing their role in bringing the party to power and calling it a matter of status.
• BJP leader N Ravikumar criticized the move, highlighting that 150 individuals received cabinet rank despite Congress having 139 MLAs, questioning the use of taxpayer money.
• Ravikumar demanded a list of all individuals granted cabinet rank and disclosure of the funds being spent, alleging a lack of development in the state.
• The Siddaramaiah government has granted cabinet and minister of state ranks to 149 individuals, including MLAs and non-MLAs, as chairpersons, advisers, and party workers.
• Those with cabinet or minister of state rank receive significant perks, including a monthly salary, various allowances, house rent, staff, and protocol benefits, raising concerns about the burden on the exchequer.