Intro: Government decision prolongs incumbents’ terms, delaying expected changes in corporations and boards statewide.
BENGALURU
The state government has issued an order extending the tenure of the current chairmen and presidents of various corporations and boards, allowing them to continue in office until further orders. The decision has come as a setback for several leaders who were hopeful of securing these positions after the completion of the earlier term.
According to the government order dated January 26, 2024, Members of the Legislative Assembly were appointed as presidents of 36 corporations and boards with the status of Cabinet Ministers for a period of two years or until further orders. As the two-year term has now formally ended, the government has decided to reappoint those MLAs who are currently heading 25 corporations and boards, with effect from January 26, 2026, granting them continuation with Cabinet rank until further notice.
The move has generated considerable political buzz, especially as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had earlier indicated that MLAs completing two years as chairmen of corporations and boards would be asked to vacate their posts to make way for others. Several aspirants had reportedly been assured that they would be accommodated once the initial term ended.
However, the latest order has effectively put those expectations on hold. Leaders who had been waiting in anticipation of appointments to corporations and boards are said to be disappointed, as the continuation of existing chairmen has dashed their hopes. At the same time, those currently holding these posts have expressed relief, particularly because the order states that the extension will remain in force until further orders.
The development assumes significance amid ongoing discussions within political circles about a possible cabinet reshuffle and even leadership-related changes in the state. There is speculation that, in the event of a reshuffle, some of the corporation and board presidents could be inducted into the Cabinet, while their positions may later be allocated to new faces.
Another view doing the rounds is that the appointment of new presidents to corporations and boards may have been deliberately deferred until clarity emerges on the larger political questions facing the government. The extension order has thus raised fresh questions about the timing and intent behind the decision.
For now, the status quo continues, bringing relief to incumbents and disappointment to aspirants, while adding another layer of uncertainty to Karnataka’s evolving political landscape.