Day after getting portfolio, K'taka Minister Ramalinga Reddy resigns, Shivakumar responds

Minister for Water Resources Ramalinga Reddy on Friday announced his decision to resign from the Karnataka Cabinet, alleging that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had gone back on his promise regarding the allocation of the Bengaluru Urban portfolio.

The development is perceived as a setback for Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, who has newly assumed the role.

The development also comes a day after the allocation of portfolios.

Speaking from his Koramangala office in Bengaluru, Reddy said he would submit his resignation and leave it to the leadership to decide whether to accept it or not.

He said that in 2023, he was initially informed about the Bengaluru Development portfolio, but was later allotted the Transport portfolio instead.

Reddy alleged that after he expressed dissatisfaction, senior leaders, including then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others, were involved in discussions regarding the issue.

He further claimed that during the current government formation process, he was promised the Bengaluru Urban portfolio after 2.5 years and was persuaded to accept the arrangement.

He alleged that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his brother D.K. Suresh had personally assured him at his residence that the promise would be honoured. He said that despite repeated assurances, he was later allocated the Water Resources portfolio instead of Bengaluru Urban.

Stating that he could not continue "against his conscience", Reddy announced his resignation from the ministerial post, while clarifying that he would continue as an MLA and remain in the Congress party.

Reddy, a veteran Congress leader, traced his political journey since 1973, saying he entered politics as a student leader through the NSUI and has since served the party for over five decades.

Shivakumar Attempts Damage Control

Responding to the resignation, Chief Minister Shivakumar sought to downplay the crisis, describing Reddy as a close friend and senior leader.

"Nothing to worry about. He is a great friend. We are the closest friends among the Cabinet. We will sort out the problem," Shivakumar said.

However, Reddy indicated that his decision was final, saying that even if the Bengaluru Development portfolio was offered now, he would not accept it.