In an embarrassing development for the Karnataka Congress government, the Cabinet rank conferred on a BJP leader was revoked days after the appointment sparked political backlash.
BD Bhookanth, a BJP leader from Shivamogga district known to be close to senior BJP figures including B S Yediyurappa and state BJP president BY Vijayendra, was among 54 individuals appointed to various state boards and corporations through a government order issued on February 7. The appointees were granted Cabinet status as part of the move.
The appointments were reportedly aimed at accommodating party workers and leaders from different regions of the state. However, Bhookanth’s inclusion triggered criticism, particularly in Shivamogga, his home district.
Local Congress workers are said to have alerted the party’s state leadership, pointing out that Bhookanth is affiliated with the BJP and that his wife serves as a BJP-backed member of the Shivamogga Zilla Panchayat. They urged the government to correct what they described as a serious oversight.
Amid mounting criticism, the Chief Minister’s Office on Wednesday issued an amended order withdrawing the Cabinet rank granted to Bhookanth. The revised notification clarified that the earlier decision had been modified.
The opposition BJP seized upon the controversy, questioning the government’s decision-making process. BJP MLC N. Ravikumar criticised the move, alleging that Cabinet status had been extended even to individuals who were not elected representatives, adding that such appointments would result in additional expenditure.
The Congress leadership defended its broader decision to grant Cabinet rank to party functionaries. KPCC president and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that party workers played a key role in bringing the Congress to power and deserved recognition and responsibility in governance.
The episode has sparked debate over political appointments and the practice of granting Cabinet status to members of boards and corporations.
