Bengaluru: Fresh signs of internal unrest have emerged within the Karnataka Congress government after senior leader and Cabinet Minister Ramalinga Reddy announced his decision to resign from the state Cabinet, citing dissatisfaction over portfolio allocation. The veteran Congress leader said he was denied the Bengaluru development portfolio despite repeated assurances from senior party leaders and was instead assigned the irrigation portfolio.
Reddy’s resignation comes just days after the formation of the new Cabinet under Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, raising questions about internal coordination within the ruling Congress and triggering sharp criticism from the opposition BJP.
In a resignation letter addressed to Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Reddy expressed gratitude to the party and the government for the opportunity to serve but said he could not continue in a role that went against his conscience.
“I am thankful to you and the Congress party for the opportunity given in your Cabinet. I can’t work against my conscience and have decided to submit my resignation. I will continue as an MLA and a party worker,” he wrote.
Veteran leader cites unfulfilled assurances
Speaking to reporters, Reddy said he had never demanded any particular portfolio during his nearly five-decade-long political career. He emphasised that he had always accepted responsibilities assigned by the party leadership.
The senior Congress leader recalled his political journey, stating that he joined the party through the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) in 1984 and had remained loyal to the Congress ever since.
According to Reddy, discussions regarding the Bengaluru development portfolio took place well before the Cabinet’s formation. He claimed that senior leaders had voluntarily informed him that he would be entrusted with the responsibility and that he had not personally sought the position.
Reddy said senior leader Bhyrathi Suresh had initially conveyed that he would be given charge of Bengaluru development. He further claimed that Chief Minister DK Shivakumar personally assured him on two separate occasions that he would receive the portfolio.
“I never demanded it. They themselves told me that I would be given Bengaluru development. I agreed because they offered it. Later, I was given transport and now irrigation,” he said.
The allocation of the irrigation portfolio instead of the expected Bengaluru development portfolio ultimately led to his decision to resign, he added.
Resignation to be sent through officials
Reddy stated that he would formally submit his resignation through senior government officials rather than personally handing it over to the Chief Minister.
He indicated that the resignation would be routed through the Additional Chief Secretary or another authorised official.
Despite stepping down from the Cabinet, Reddy clarified that he was not leaving the Congress party and would continue to serve as a legislator and party worker.
He also stressed that he harboured no personal differences with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge or the party’s central leadership.
In a significant remark, Reddy said he would not reconsider his decision even if the Bengaluru development portfolio was offered to him now.
“Even if the Bengaluru portfolio is offered to me at this stage, I will not accept it,” he said, signalling that his decision was final.
DK Shivakumar seeks to downplay crisis
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar moved quickly to contain speculation about divisions within the government, describing Reddy as one of his closest political colleagues.
Addressing reporters, Shivakumar expressed confidence that the issue could be resolved through dialogue and dismissed concerns about a larger crisis.
“Nothing to worry. He is a great friend. We are the closest friends among the Cabinet. We will sort out the problem,” the Chief Minister said.
The response indicates that the Congress leadership is keen to prevent the dispute from escalating into a broader challenge to Cabinet unity.
Political observers believe the manner in which the leadership handles the issue in the coming days will be closely watched, especially given the importance of maintaining stability within the government.
BJP targets Congress over internal tensions
The opposition BJP seized upon the resignation announcement to attack the ruling Congress government.
In a social media post, the party mocked the development, describing Reddy’s resignation as the “first wicket” to fall shortly after the Cabinet formation. BJP leaders suggested that the resignation reflected deeper dissatisfaction within the Congress ranks and questioned the government’s ability to focus on governance amid internal disputes.
The BJP also claimed that the resignation sent a message that factional conflicts within the Congress could intensify during DK Shivakumar’s tenure as Chief Minister.
The opposition further argued that internal power struggles could distract the government from addressing key issues affecting the state.
Political implications
Reddy’s resignation has added a fresh layer of complexity to Karnataka’s political landscape. As one of the Congress party’s senior-most leaders in Bengaluru, his decision carries both symbolic and political significance.
While the Congress leadership appears confident of managing the situation, the episode highlights the challenges of balancing senior leaders’ expectations during Cabinet formation and portfolio distribution.
Conclusion
Ramalinga Reddy’s resignation from the Karnataka Cabinet over portfolio allocation has exposed early signs of discontent within the ruling Congress government. Although the veteran leader has reaffirmed his commitment to the party, the development presents a political challenge for Chief Minister DK Shivakumar as he seeks to maintain unity within his administration. The coming days will determine whether the issue is resolved through internal discussions or develops into a larger political concern for the Congress in Karnataka.