Karnataka Tops In Billionaire MLAs, Says Report Amid Controversial 100% Salary Hike For Legislators

Karnataka ranks second in terms of average assets per MLA with each legislator holding an average wealth of Rs 63.5 crore.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar ranks as the second-richest MLA in India, declaring assets worth Rs 1,413 crore

Source : PTI

Karnataka has emerged as the state with the highest number of billionaire MLAs, as per a recent report by the Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR). With 31 legislators possessing assets exceeding Rs 100 crore each, the total wealth of Karnataka MLAs stands at a staggering Rs 14,179 crore, as reported By ABP Live.

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar ranks as the second-richest MLA in India, declaring assets worth Rs 1,413 crore. The report also places Karnataka at the top in terms of total wealth among state legislators, followed by Andhra Pradesh with 27 billionaire MLAs and Maharashtra with 18. 

Additionally, four of the country’s ten wealthiest MLAs hail from Karnataka.

The state ranks second in terms of average assets per MLA with each legislator holding an average wealth of Rs 63.5 crore, as per reports. Karnataka's Legislative Assembly comprises 224 elected members and one nominated representative, bringing the total count to 225.

The report was prepared based on a study of the affidavits self-declared by the leaders before the elections. 

The wealthiest legislators of the state are from the Congress party and are closely followed by independent and BJP legislators. 

100% Salary Hike For Karnataka MLAs Sparks Debate

Amid discussions about the wealth of Karnataka’s legislators, the state government recently approved a 100% salary hike for the chief minister, ministers, and MLAs. This decision, passed through two amendment bills—the Karnataka Ministers' Salaries and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025 and the Karnataka Legislature Members' Salaries, Pensions, and Allowances (Amendment) Bill 2025—has triggered public debate, reported The Hindustan Times.

The revised legislation is also expected to increase the pensions of former legislators. While supporters argue that the salary revision is necessary, others have raised concerns over whether such a significant pay hike is justified, particularly in light of the state's economic challenges.