A S Ponnanna Set to Become First Kodava Congress Minister in Karnataka Cabinet After 22 Years

By Kushinara M D

BENGALURU: In a historic political shift for the Kodagu region, Virajpet MLA and Senior Advocate A S Ponnanna is poised to join the Karnataka Cabinet, ending a 22-year drought for representation from the Kodava community within a Congress-led state government.

The move marks a significant milestone in Karnataka’s legislative history. The last leader from the Kodava community to hold a ministerial portfolio under a Congress administration was M M Nanaiah , who served in the S.M. Krishna cabinet until 2002. Since then, despite political shifts in Vidhana Soudha, the Kodava community’s ministerial representation within Congress ranks remained unfulfilled—until now.

A Legal Luminary Turned Political Heavyweight

A S Ponnanna, a prominent advocate who previously served as the Additional Advocate General for Karnataka, made a decisive leap into active electoral politics by winning the Virajpet assembly constituency in the May 2023 elections. His victory was seen as a major breakthrough for the Congress party, which reclaimed ground in the traditionally BJP-leaning Kodagu district.

Since his election, Ponnanna has been serving as the Legal Advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, playing a pivotal role in guiding the state administration through complex legal and policy matters. His elevation to the cabinet is widely viewed as a recognition of both his legal acumen and his influence in bolstering the party’s presence in the Western Ghats belt.

Fulfilling a Long-Pending Regional Demand

The decision to induct Ponnanna addresses a long-standing demand from the Kodagu region for direct representation in the state cabinet. Kodagu, known for its distinct cultural identity, agro-economy, and contributions to the defense forces, has frequently advocated for strong political representation in Bengaluru.

Speaking on the development, local community leaders expressed optimism. The inclusion of a dedicated voice from Kodagu in the cabinet is expected to accelerate development projects in the district, particularly concerning infrastructure, human-wildlife conflict resolution, and eco-tourism balance.

With the official induction, A S Ponnanna not only assumes a crucial role in state governance but also bridges a two-decade gap for the Kodava community in the halls of power at Vidhana Soudha.