| B. Ramanath Rai | |
| Birth Name: | Bellipady Ramanath Rai |
| Birth Date: | 13 September 1952 |
| Birth Place: | Perne, Mysore State, India |
| Residence: | "Shrishaila," Kallige, Bantwal, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka |
| Office: | Minister of Forest, Environment and Ecology of Karnataka |
| Term Start: | 20 May 2013 |
| Term End: | 15 May 2018 |
| Successor: | R. Shankar |
| Governor: | Vajubhai Vala |
| Office1: | Member of the Legislative Assembly |
| Term Start1: | 1985 |
| Term End1: | 2004 |
| Constituency1: | Bantwal |
| Predecessor1: | N. Shiva Rao |
| Successor1: | B. Nagaraja Shetty |
| Term Start2: | 25 May 2008 |
| Term End2: | 15 May 2018 |
| Predecessor2: | B. Nagaraja Shetty |
| Successor2: | U. Rajesh Naik |
| Party: | Indian National Congress |
| Spouse: | Shrimathi Dhanabagya Ramanath Rai |
| Children: | Charishma R. Rai (daughter), Chaithradeep R. Rai (son) |
| 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.[1]
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:
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.[5]
Ramanath Rai was born on 13 September 1952 in Perne, a village in the Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka (then part of Mysore State). He belongs to the Bunt community. Rai holds a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree from Mangalore University.[6]
B. Ramanath Rai began his political journey with the Indian National Congress (INC) and was first elected to the Karnataka Legislative Assembly in 1985, representing the Bantwal constituency. Over a political career spanning more than three decades, he has contested nine elections and emerged victorious six times, earning a reputation as a stalwart leader in Karnataka politics.
Rai has held several key ministerial portfolios during his tenure:
1. Minister of State for Home (Prisons, Fire Force, and Home Guards) and Excise (1993–1996): Appointed in the cabinet of Chief Minister M. Veerappa Moily, he focused on modernizing prison facilities and enhancing fire safety measures across Karnataka.[7]
2. Cabinet Minister for Transport, Ports, and Fisheries (1999–2004): Under the leadership of Chief Minister S. M. Krishna, Rai worked to improve Karnataka's transport infrastructure and promote sustainable development of ports and fisheries.
3. Minister for Forest, Environment, and Ecology (2013–2018): Serving in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's cabinet, he implemented significant environmental conservation policies and addressed ecological challenges in the state.[8]
Throughout his ministerial career, Rai has been recognized for his commitment to inclusive development, particularly initiatives benefiting rural communities, women, and the underprivileged. His leadership in Dakshina Kannada District as its In-charge Minister has been credited with fostering regional growth and maintaining communal harmony.
Rai has held significant positions within the INC and its affiliate organisations:
Rai has been a staunch advocate of cooperative institutions. He served as:
Rai resides in "Shrishaila," Kallige House, in his home constituency of Bantwal. He is married to Shrimathi Dhanabagya Ramanath Rai and has two children, Charishma R. Rai and Chaithradeep R. Rai.[10]
In May 2023, Rai announced his retirement from electoral politics, emphasizing his desire to focus on mentoring younger political leaders and strengthening the party at the grassroots level.[11]