Karnataka's Siddaramaiah Govt Under Fire for 149 'Minister-Rank' Appointees

• Karnataka's Congress government faces scrutiny over increasing 'minister-rank' appointees from 32 to 149.
• 54 new individuals granted Minister of State (MoS) status, raising concerns about fiscal prudence.
• 43 MLAs and 9 non-legislators received Cabinet rank; 11 MLAs and 54 non-MLAs given MoS rank.
• Each appointee receives a monthly salary of Rs 50,000, plus allowances for housing, fuel, and travel, totaling significant expenses.
• Opposition and financial observers criticize the move, citing potential strain on the state treasury amid existing guarantee schemes.