Ramalinga Reddy, a senior Congress leader and Karnataka minister, resigned from his cabinet post on Friday following a dispute over portfolio allocations.
The resignation marks a sudden rift in the state government's leadership just days after the formation of the new cabinet. Because Reddy is a prominent figure in the region, his departure signals potential instability in the administration's handling of urban development and internal party loyalty.
Reddy submitted his resignation three days [1] after being sworn into office on Wednesday. He had expected to lead the Bengaluru Development portfolio, which he said was promised to him by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar [2]. Instead, Reddy was assigned the Irrigation and Water Resources portfolio, specifically covering major and medium irrigation projects [3].
"I have been cheated twice," Reddy said [4].
The tension peaked on Thursday when Reddy walked out of a meeting during the portfolio allocation process [5]. The new cabinet consists of 13 ministers [6].
Reddy said the assignment of the water resources department was a breach of promise. He said that the Bengaluru Development portfolio was the specific role he had been guaranteed before the cabinet was finalized [2].
This move represents the first resignation from the current cabinet [6]. While the administration has not issued a formal rebuttal to the specific claims of a promise, the departure of a senior minister over a departmental assignment highlights friction within the Congress leadership in Karnataka.
“"I have been cheated twice"”
The resignation of Ramalinga Reddy suggests a struggle for influence over the high-profile Bengaluru Development portfolio, which is critical for the state's economic and political standing. By resigning so shortly after being sworn in, Reddy has signaled that the perceived breach of trust by Chief Minister D K Shivakumar outweighs the benefit of holding a cabinet position, potentially emboldening other disgruntled members within the 13-person cabinet.
