ADR analysis: 84% of Karnataka ministers face criminal cases; CM Shivakumar tops wealth chart

Bengaluru: About 84% of the ministers in Karnataka's newly expanded Cabinet have declared criminal cases against themselves, while seven are billionaires, according to an analysis of election affidavits by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).

The report, based on the self-sworn affidavits of 32 ministers, including Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, found that 27 ministers have declared criminal cases, while seven (22%) face serious criminal charges. The analysis excludes minister KJ George as his complete election affidavits were not available on the Election Commission's website when the report was prepared.

The findings come days after the CM expanded his Cabinet by inducting 19 ministers. One berth in the 34-member ministry, including the CM, remains vacant.


Also read | Aam Aadmi Party to hold nationwide town halls against E20 fuel from August 8

One minister has declared a case related to attempt to murder under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), while another has disclosed a case relating to crimes against women. The report is based on cases declared by candidates in their election affidavits and does not imply conviction.

All 32 ministers analysed have also declared liabilities.

Shivakumar tops wealth chart

The report estimates the combined declared assets of the 32 ministers at about Rs 3,550 crore, with average assets of Rs 110.94 crore. Seven ministers qualify as billionaires based on their declared assets.

The CM is the wealthiest member of the Cabinet, having declared assets worth Rs 1,413.8 crore. He also has the highest declared liabilities at Rs 265.06 crore.

At the other end of the spectrum, KS Basavanthappa, MLA from the Mayakonda (SC) constituency, has declared assets worth Rs 1.01 crore, the lowest among the ministers analysed.

All-male Cabinet

The ADR analysis also offers a snapshot of the Cabinet's demographic profile. Twenty-four ministers (75%) have declared educational qualifications of graduation or above, seven have studied between Classes VIII and XII, while one holds a diploma.

Also read | 'Dubious claims': Congress' Jairam Ramesh hits back at Nirmala Sitharaman on taxation bill

The ministry is also dominated by senior legislators, with 26 ministers (81%) in the 51-75 age group and six between 40 and 50 years.

The report also underscores the absence of women in the Karnataka ministry. Although the Cabinet now has 33 members, it does not include a single woman minister after MLC Gayatri Shante Gowda was asked not to take oath at the last minute, leaving the state with an all-male ministry.