Bengaluru, Feb. 13 -- Attempt to placate dissenters and those sulking Legislators who missed Ministerial berth

Over the past eight months, the Siddaramaiah-led Congress Government in Karnataka has granted 'Cabinet rank' status to appro-ximately 56 individuals outside his Council of Ministers, ostensibly to mollify dissenters or those disappointed over not being included in the Ministerial lineup.

Cabinet rank bestows privileges such as a team of approximately 14 staff members, official housing, an office, a designated car with a Police escort, and an increased salary, at the Chief Minister's discretion.

Recipients of this status include Government advisers - spanning legal, media, medical, and even 'general' realms - as well as chairpe...