Senior Congress leader R Ramalinga Reddy has resigned from the Karnataka Cabinet, citing dissatisfaction over the portfolio assigned to him in the newly formed government led by D K Shivakumar.
The resignation came just two days after Reddy took oath as a minister. His decision has triggered fresh political discussion within the ruling Congress government in Karnataka.
The Ramalinga Reddy resignation follows a dispute over portfolio allocation after the recent Cabinet formation.
Unhappy with assigned department
According to reports, Reddy had been seeking the Bengaluru Development portfolio. However, he was allocated the Water Resources (Major and Medium Irrigation) department instead. Sources said the senior leader was disappointed after not receiving the role he expected.
Speaking to reporters, Reddy said he had been assured of the Bengaluru Development portfolio and could not continue in the Cabinet after that commitment was not honoured. He clarified that he would remain a Congress MLA and would not leave the party.
Tensions within Karnataka Congress
The development has exposed early signs of discontent within the new Karnataka government. Reports suggest that dissatisfaction over portfolio distribution surfaced even before the official allocation was announced.
Reddy, an eight-time MLA from Bengaluru’s BTM Layout constituency, is considered one of the senior-most leaders in the state Congress unit. His resignation is seen as a setback for the government, especially at a time when the new administration is trying to settle into office.
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Shivakumar responds
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar sought to downplay the crisis and said there was “nothing to worry” about. The Congress leadership is expected to hold discussions to address the situation and prevent further unrest within the party.
The Ramalinga Reddy resignation has become one of the first major political challenges for the new Karnataka government. Political observers will now watch closely to see whether the Congress leadership can resolve the issue and bring the senior leader back into the Cabinet.
