Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has admitted that Ramalinga Reddy was promised the Bengaluru Development portfolio, which eventually went to Krishna Byre Gowda, leading to Reddy's resignation from the cabinet.
Shivakumar's Acknowledgment
Speaking to the media, Shivakumar confirmed, "We did promise him the Bengaluru portfolio." He explained that the allocation of portfolios was a collective decision, and Reddy's disappointment was understandable. The Chief Minister added that efforts were made to pacify Reddy, but he chose to step down.
Background of the Resignation
Ramalinga Reddy was allotted the Water Resources portfolio in the recent cabinet reshuffle, while Krishna Byre Gowda received the Bengaluru Development department—a portfolio Reddy had specifically sought. Reddy, a senior Congress leader from Bengaluru, expressed dissatisfaction with the allocation and submitted his resignation on June 4, 2026.
Political Implications
The incident has sparked discussions within the Congress party about portfolio distribution and internal dynamics. Shivakumar assured that the party would address Reddy's concerns and work towards a resolution. Meanwhile, opposition parties have criticized the government for internal strife, calling it a sign of instability.
Reddy's resignation is seen as a setback for the Congress government, which has been striving to maintain unity among its leaders. The Bengaluru Development portfolio is crucial for the capital city's infrastructure and urban planning, making its allocation a sensitive matter.
