Ramanath Rai
B. Ramanath Rai | |
|---|---|
B. Ramanath Rai during a public event | |
| Minister of Forest, Environment and Ecology of Karnataka | |
| In office 20 May 2013 – 15 May 2018 | |
| Governor | Vajubhai Vala |
| Succeeded by | R. Shankar |
| Member of the Legislative Assembly | |
| In office 1985–2004 | |
| Preceded by | N. Shiva Rao |
| Succeeded by | B. Nagaraja Shetty |
| Constituency | Bantwal |
| In office 25 May 2008 – 15 May 2018 | |
| Preceded by | B. Nagaraja Shetty |
| Succeeded by | U. Rajesh Naik |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Bellipady Ramanath Rai 13 September 1952 Perne, Mysore State, India |
| Political party | Indian National Congress |
| Spouse | Shrimathi Dhanabagya Ramanath Rai |
| Children | Charishma R. Rai (daughter), Chaithradeep R. Rai (son) |
| Residence(s) | "Shrishaila," Kallige, Bantwal, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka |
| Alma mater | Mangalore University |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Known for | Public welfare and cooperative initiatives |
B Ramanath Rai (born 13 September 1952) is an Indian politician affiliated with the Indian National Congress (INC). He is a six-time member of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, having represented the Bantwal constituency in the years 1985, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2008, and 2013.
Over his political career, Rai has contested nine elections under the Congress Party symbol, winning six of them and serving Karnataka for over 30 years.
Rai has held multiple ministerial portfolios in the Government of Karnataka, including:
- Minister of State for Home (Prisons, Fire Force, and Home Guards) and Excise (1993–1996): Under Chief Minister M. Veerappa Moily, Rai focused on modernising prison facilities and enhancing fire safety measures across the state.
- Cabinet Minister for Transport, Ports, and Fisheries and Dakshina Kannada District In-charge (1999–2004): In the cabinet of Chief Minister S. M. Krishna, Rai worked on improving transportation infrastructure and fostering sustainable development of Karnataka's ports and fisheries.
- Minister for Forest, Ecology, and Environment and Dakshina Kannada District In-charge (2013–2018): As part of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's government, Rai implemented environmental conservation policies and developmental programs to uplift marginalised communities.
With the trust of the Congress Party high command, Rai has been instrumental in implementing numerous welfare initiatives, focusing on the upliftment of the poor, downtrodden, and women.