Seven new Karnataka ministers fighting serious criminal cases, says ADR report

Out of Karnataka's newly expanded Cabinet, a fourth of the ministers have declared they are fighting criminal cases against themselves, according to a report by the non-profit Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and Karnataka Election Watch (KEW). Of the 32 ministers analysed, seven are battling serious charges.

The new Cabinet was sworn in on Saturday. There are 34 members, making this the first time in years that Karnataka has a full Cabinet.

According to the report, 97% - 31 MLAs - are crorepatis. The average assets per MLA amount to Rs 119.6 crore. The minister with the lowest declared total assets is Timmapur Ramappa Balappa from Mudhol with assets worth Rs. 58.56 lakh.


Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar is still the wealthiest MLA with assets worth Rs 1413.8 crore. He also has the highest liabilities, amounting to Rs 265.06 crore.

Around 75% of the ministers have declared educational qualifications of graduation and above.Six ministers are between 8th and 12th pass, while two are diploma holders.

Maximum ministers - 56% - are between the age of 41 and 60, while 44% are between 61 and 80 years old. AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge’s son Priyank is the youngest minister at 44 years old, whereas CM Siddaramaiah and KH Muniyappa are the oldest at 75 years old.