Karnataka's Cabinet Expansion: 149 Ministers, MoS Ranks Strain State Exchequer

• Siddaramaiah-led Congress government granted Minister of State (MoS) status to 54 additional individuals, sparking fiscal debate.
• Total number of people with Cabinet or MoS rank in Karnataka now stands at 149, raising concerns about public exchequer burden.
• New designees are mostly Congress party leaders and workers heading state-run boards and corporations.
• Beyond 32 constitutional ministers, 43 MLAs and 9 non-MLAs hold Cabinet rank; 11 MLAs and 54 non-MLAs hold MoS rank.
• Ministerial status holders receive Rs 50,000 salary, Rs 80,000 house rent, Rs 1 lakh fuel, staff, and other perks, straining taxpayer money.