Bengaluru: While the state’s legislative assembly is dominated by billionaire MLAs, six legislators stand out for their relatively modest declared assets of less than Rs 1 crore, reveals a report by Association of Democratic Reforms (ADR) for 2025.
The Association analysed assets and liabilities of 4,092 serving legislators across 28 states and three Union territories and while Karnataka has several in the top 10 wealthiest legislators, six are ranked among the lowest. Five of these six are first-time MLAs.
The least wealthy legislator from the state — ranked 3,998 nationally — is BJP’s Bhagirathi Murulya who represents Sullia in Dakshina Kannada district. A self-declared agricultural labourer, Murulya has assets worth Rs 28 lakh and liabilities of Rs 2 lakh. The 48-year-old, a 12th-pass, replaced BJP veteran S Angara in Sullia in the 2023 assembly polls. Murulya has not declared any assets in his wife’s name.
At rank 3,769 is TS Srivathsa of BJP who represents Krishnaraja in Mysuru. A contractor and moneylender, Srivathsa declared assets of Rs 48 lakh and liabilities of Rs 1 lakh. The 56-year-old graduate stepped into the shoes of another BJP stalwart, SA Ramdas. Like Murulya, Srivathsa has not declared any wealth in his wife’s name.
Excise minister RB Thimmapur would, perhaps, rank the most conspicuous of the six least wealthy. Despite his ministerial position, the four-time legislator (once as MLC) is ranked 3,689 on the national list. He has declared assets of Rs 58 lakh and liabilities of Rs 34 lakh. Ironically, Thimmapur, is battling allegations of corruption by Wine Merchants Association. His spouse is a housewife.
Pradeep Eshwar, Chikkaballapur first-time MLA, who stunned political observers by defeating BJP heavyweight K Sudhakar, former health minister, in the 2023 elections, is ranked 3,468. The 35-year-old Congress legislator has assets worth Rs 89 lakh and liabilities of Rs 17 lakh. A director in Parishrama Education, Eshwar is a 12th standard pass, while his wife works as a lecturer in the same institution.
Just below the Rs 1 crore mark is Doddaballapur’s Dheeraj Muniraj of BJP, who holds assets worth Rs 97 lakh and liabilities of Rs 40 lakh. He is ranked 3,408. Aged 31, Muniraj is also an BJP Yuva Morcha office bearer.
Karemma of JD(S), who represents Devadurga, completes the list of those below the Rs 1 crore mark. Ranked 3,402, she declared assets of Rs 98 lakh and liabilities of Rs 21 lakh. The 50-year-old first-time legislator is married to a retired govt employee.
Of these six, two belong to Scheduled Caste (SC) communities, one to a Scheduled Tribe (ST) and one is from Other Backward Classes (OBC). The other two are a Vokkaliga and a Brahmin.