Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Oct 7: While a common citizen's family receives a mere Rs 5 lac in compensation in the event of an untimely death, 69 Karnataka MLAs have claimed a staggering Rs 7.40 crore in medical reimbursements for themselves and their families over the last three years. The revelation has sparked outrage over elected representatives opting for expensive private healthcare at the taxpayers' expense instead of utilizing government hospitals.
According to information obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by social activist H M Venkatesh, the Legislative Assembly Secretariat revealed that 69 MLAs across party lines claimed a total of Rs 7,46,67,133 between May 20, 2023, and September 30, 2026.
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Top claimants
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H K Suresh (BJP, Belur): Tops the list with a medical reimbursement claim of Rs 98,78,325 for his family's treatment.
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K Harish Gowda (Congress, Chamaraja): Ranks second, claiming Rs 85,91,139.
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Dr H D Ranganath (Congress, Kunigal): Despite being a doctor himself, he claimed Rs 85,02,261, placing third on the list.
Other prominent leaders Several senior politicians also claimed significant amounts for their medical expenses:
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Shamanur Shivashankarappa: Rs 69.78 lac
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S Suresh Kumar: Rs 22.26 lac
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K Gopalaiah: Rs 21.05 lac
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H D Revanna: Rs 13.02 lac
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Basavaraj Bommai (Former CM): Rs 10.45 lac
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Araga Jnanendra: Rs 10.21 lac
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Laxman Savadi: Rs 4.86 lac
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Dr C N Ashwath Narayan: Rs 4.58 lac
In stark contrast, Nikhil Umesh Katti recorded the lowest medical bill on the list, claiming just Rs 2,349 for his family over the three-year period.
Under the Karnataka legislature rules, there is a legal provision for the government to bear the medical expenses of MLAs and their dependents, even if they seek treatment at private or corporate hospitals. However, the hefty bills have drawn sharp criticism from the public, particularly at a time when ordinary citizens struggle to access adequate facilities and timely care in government hospitals.