Bengaluru: Senior Karnataka Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy has said that no one from the party’s central leadership has contacted him following his resignation from Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s newly formed Cabinet, deepening concerns over internal discontent within the ruling party.
Reddy stepped down as Karnataka’s Major and Medium Irrigation Minister on Friday, expressing dissatisfaction over portfolio allocation and claiming that he was promised the Bengaluru Development portfolio but was ultimately assigned a different department.
His resignation has emerged as the first major challenge for the Shivakumar-led government, which assumed office only days ago.
Reddy claims no outreach from Congress leadership
Addressing reporters after submitting his resignation, Reddy said that neither the Congress high command nor senior central leaders had approached him following his decision.
The veteran legislator maintained that his resignation was not driven by personal ambition but by what he described as repeated assurances that were not honoured.
According to Reddy, he had been told on multiple occasions that he would be entrusted with the Bengaluru Development portfolio, a department closely linked to the state’s capital city and urban infrastructure projects.
However, when the final allocation was announced, the portfolio was reportedly assigned to another leader, while Reddy was given charge of the Major and Medium Irrigation Department.
The Congress MLA said the development left him disappointed and feeling humiliated.
‘How long can I tolerate humiliation?’
Explaining his decision to resign, Reddy said he could no longer ignore what he viewed as a breach of trust.
“How long can I tolerate this humiliation, and what other options did I have?” he asked while speaking to the media.
He stated that he had received assurances on two separate occasions regarding the Bengaluru Development portfolio but was ultimately overlooked when ministerial responsibilities were distributed.
“I am resigning from my post because I cannot work against my conscience,” Reddy said.
Despite stepping down from the Cabinet, he clarified that he would continue as a Congress MLA and remain loyal to the party.
The senior leader also reiterated that he had no intention of leaving the Congress and would continue serving as a party worker.
Shivakumar meets disgruntled leader
Following the resignation, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar reportedly met Reddy at a private hotel in Bengaluru’s Jayanagar area in an effort to resolve the situation.
According to reports, the meeting took place hours after Reddy publicly announced his resignation.
Before meeting the former minister, Shivakumar and his wife Usha Shivakumar attended a dinner hosted by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at his Bengaluru residence.
While details of the discussion between Shivakumar and Reddy have not been officially disclosed, party leaders have indicated that efforts are underway to address the concerns raised by the senior MLA.
Earlier, Shivakumar had downplayed the crisis and expressed confidence that the issue would be resolved through dialogue.
Portfolio dispute at the centre of controversy
The controversy stems from the allocation of portfolios in the newly constituted Karnataka Cabinet.
Reddy has maintained that he neither demanded a specific department nor lobbied for a ministerial position. However, he said he accepted the leadership’s assurances regarding the Bengaluru Development portfolio and was surprised when a different assignment was announced.
The Bengaluru Development portfolio is considered one of the most influential positions in the state government due to its role in overseeing urban planning, infrastructure development and civic administration in Karnataka’s capital.
Political observers believe the dispute reflects broader challenges involved in balancing regional, caste and factional interests during Cabinet formation.
First major test for Shivakumar government
Reddy’s resignation comes just days after the formation of the new government under Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
The development has provided the opposition with an opportunity to criticise the ruling Congress, with BJP leaders alleging internal divisions within the party.
While Congress leaders have sought to project confidence and unity, the resignation has highlighted the complexities of managing expectations among senior leaders following a Cabinet reshuffle.
Political analysts note that how the party handles the issue could influence perceptions of stability within the new administration.
Conclusion
Ramalinga Reddy’s resignation over portfolio allocation has become the first significant political challenge facing the DK Shivakumar government. With the veteran Congress leader insisting that the party high command has not contacted him and expressing disappointment over unfulfilled assurances, the episode has exposed tensions within the ruling party. As efforts continue to persuade Reddy to reconsider his decision, the Congress leadership will be keen to prevent the dispute from escalating further.