Bengaluru: In a startling revelation that raises questions about political accountability, the Karnataka Lokayukta has disclosed that six ministers, 66 MLAs, and 28 MLCs have failed to submit their mandatory annual property returns for the year 2024–25, as required under Section 22(1) and (2) of the Karnataka Lokayukta Act.
As per the law, every member of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council must declare the details of their own and their family’s assets and liabilities to the Lokayukta by June 30 every year. However, the latest list published by the Lokayukta shows that several senior leaders across political parties have ignored the statutory deadline, effectively violating the very transparency norms they publicly endorse.
According to the Lokayukta’s report, the non-compliant legislators belong to all major parties — the ruling Congress, the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Janata Dal (Secular) — indicating that disregard for the rule transcends party lines.
Ministers who failed to file their property returns:
K.H. Muniyappa – Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, Consumer Affairs
Dinesh Gundu Rao – Minister for Health and Family Welfare
B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan – Minister for Housing, Waqf and Minority Affairs
Rahim Khan – Minister for Haj and Municipal Administration
K. Venkatesh – Minister for Animal Husbandry and Sericulture
(Sixth minister’s name yet to be officially confirmed in Lokayukta list)
The failure of cabinet ministers to comply with mandatory disclosure requirements has drawn criticism from legal experts and civil society activists, who argue that such omissions undermine public trust and transparency in governance.
MLAs who have not declared assets:
The Lokayukta’s list of 66 MLAs includes prominent figures such as:
K.N. Rajanna (Congress)
Laxman Savadi (Congress)
Khaneez Fathima (Congress)
G. Janardhana Reddy (KRPP)
Vinay Kulkarni (Congress)
B.K. Sangameshwar (Congress)
Nayana Motamma (Congress)
B. Suresh Gowda (BJP)
K. Gopalaiah (BJP)
C.P. Yogeshwar (Congress)
H.D. Revanna (JD(S))
C. Puttaranga Shetty (Congress)
The Lokayukta has directed these legislators to submit their property statements immediately, failing which further action may be initiated as per the Lokayukta Act.
28 MLCs also non-compliant:
In addition to ministers and MLAs, the report notes that 28 members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) have not submitted their property details, despite multiple reminders from the Lokayukta’s office.
Political observers say this pattern of neglect shows a systemic disregard for accountability among elected representatives. The Lokayukta’s move to publicly name the defaulters is seen as an attempt to pressure compliance and restore transparency in political institutions.
While several legislators are expected to regularize their submissions in the coming weeks, the watchdog’s report has already triggered embarrassment for the ruling Congress government, particularly with five of its ministers featuring on the defaulter list.
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