Fresh signs of unease have emerged within the Karnataka government, with senior leaders travelling to New Delhi to discuss portfolio-related concerns and Cabinet aspirations with the Congress high command.
The developments come just days after Chief Minister DK Shivakumar declared the Ramalinga Reddy controversy resolved, raising questions about lingering dissatisfaction within the ruling party.
Krishna Byre Gowda yet to assume charge
Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda is yet to formally take charge of his department despite being allotted the portfolio.
Sources said Gowda is seeking control of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and the Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA), both of which currently remain under the Chief Minister’s control.
The minister reportedly believes that without these key agencies, the Bengaluru Development portfolio would have limited authority in addressing the city’s growing infrastructure and planning challenges.
Rizwan Arshad seeks Cabinet berth
Adding to the political activity, Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad is also in Delhi and is understood to be seeking a place in the state Cabinet.
Party insiders say the parallel lobbying efforts indicate that several aspirations remain unresolved despite the recent Cabinet formation.
Ramalinga Reddy issue still casts shadow
The latest developments follow the recent dispute involving senior Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy, who had resigned from the Major and Medium Irrigation portfolio after claiming he had been assured the Bengaluru Development Department.
The portfolio was eventually allotted to Krishna Byre Gowda, triggering a public disagreement that required intervention from the Chief Minister.
Following a late-night meeting, Shivakumar and Reddy announced that all differences had been resolved.
Balancing competing interests
While the Ramalinga Reddy episode may have ended, the continued movement of party leaders to Delhi highlights the challenge of balancing expectations within the government.
Political observers note that the Congress leadership may need to address demands related to portfolios and Cabinet expansion carefully to maintain stability and ensure the smooth functioning of the administration, particularly in Bengaluru where several key infrastructure projects are awaiting momentum.