In a dramatic political development in Karnataka, senior Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy resigned as a minister just days after being inducted into Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s cabinet.
Reddy announced his decision at a press conference in Bengaluru on Friday, stating that he could not continue in the position against his conscience. His resignation comes amid dissatisfaction over the allocation of ministerial portfolios in the newly formed state government.
Why Did Ramalinga Reddy Resign?
According to Reddy, he had sought the Bengaluru Development portfolio but was instead assigned the Major and Medium Irrigation Department.
Expressing his disappointment, the veteran Congress leader said he felt humiliated by the decision.
“I am resigning from my post because I cannot work against my conscience,” Reddy told reporters.
He also questioned how long he could continue to tolerate what he described as humiliation and indicated that stepping down was the only option left for him.
Congress Leaders Attempted to Persuade Him
During the press conference, Congress leaders reportedly tried to convince Reddy to reconsider his decision. However, he remained firm and indicated that the opportunity for discussions had already passed.
The development has sparked political debate, given Reddy’s long-standing association with the Congress party and his experience in state politics.
DK Shivakumar Responds
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar sought to downplay concerns arising from the resignation.
Speaking to reporters, Shivakumar described Reddy as one of his closest political colleagues and expressed confidence that the issue could be resolved.
“There is nothing to worry about. He is a great friend. We are among the closest friends in the cabinet. We will sort out the problem,” Shivakumar said.
Reddy Clarifies He Is Not Leaving Congress
While stepping down from the ministerial post, Reddy made it clear that he is not resigning from the Congress party.
The senior leader said he remains committed to the party and will continue serving as an MLA.
“I am still in the Congress party. I have not resigned from the party. I have been in the Congress for the last 53 years,” Reddy said.
He added that throughout his political career he had held several important responsibilities and had never lobbied for ministerial positions.
Long Political Career
Ramalinga Reddy is one of Karnataka Congress’s senior-most leaders. Over the decades, he has served in multiple governments and held several key portfolios.
He highlighted his previous experience as a minister under former chief ministers including M. Veerappa Moily and S. M. Krishna.
His resignation therefore carries political significance, especially at a time when the new government is attempting to establish stability and balance within the cabinet.
Portfolio Allocation in Shivakumar Cabinet
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar allocated portfolios to 13 ministers who took oath on June 3.
Some key assignments include:
- G. Parameshwara – Revenue and Sports
- Priyank Kharge – Home (excluding Intelligence), IT and Biotechnology
- K. J. George – Energy and Tourism
- M. B. Patil – Large and Medium Industries
- Satish Jarkiholi – Public Works
- K. H. Muniyappa – Food and Civil Supplies
- Sharan Prakash Patil – Medical Education
- Krishna Byre Gowda – Bengaluru Urban Development
- Bairathi Suresh – Transport
- Yathindra Siddaramaiah – Urban Development
- U. T. Khader – Health
- Eshwar Khandre – Rural Development
The Bengaluru Urban Development portfolio, which Reddy had reportedly sought, was ultimately assigned to Krishna Byre Gowda.
Political Impact
Reddy’s resignation represents the first major challenge for the newly formed Shivakumar government. While Congress leaders remain hopeful of resolving the issue, the episode highlights the delicate balance required in cabinet formation and portfolio distribution.
Political observers will be closely watching whether the party leadership can persuade Reddy to withdraw his resignation or whether the development signals broader dissatisfaction within sections of the ruling party.
