Karnataka CM Shivakumar says Ramalinga Reddy resignation row resolved
Synopsis
Karnataka's Cabinet reshuffle sparked a quiet crisis when Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy submitted his resignation over a disputed portfolio promise — only for CM Shivakumar to declare everything 'sorted out' after a late-night meeting. The episode exposes the fragile coalition of interests inside the state Congress, with at least two other ministers also reportedly restless.
Key Takeaways
Shivakumar declared on 6 June that the resignation row involving Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy had been fully resolved.
Reddy had submitted his resignation on WhatsApp after allegedly being denied the Bengaluru Development portfolio despite prior assurances.
AICC General Secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala mediated, reportedly assuring Reddy the matter would be taken up with the Chief Minister.
PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi also intervened, urging Shivakumar to address Reddy's demands and keep Minister K.H.
Muniyappa satisfied.
Health Minister U.T.
Khader cautioned that party and country come before individual interests, amid discontent over former minister Zameer Ahmad Khan's exclusion from the Cabinet.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Saturday, 6 June declared that the political crisis triggered by Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy's resignation had been fully resolved, urging the media in Bengaluru to stop circulating unverified reports on the matter. The announcement came after a late-night meeting between the Chief Minister and the minister that drew considerable political attention.
What Shivakumar Said
Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar was unequivocal: 'Ramalinga Reddy is my friend. Don't worry or churn out stories. Those stories are turning out to be untrue. He had sent his resignation letter on WhatsApp. Things have been settled.' The Chief Minister reiterated that the matter had been resolved amicably and asked the media not to run stories that could later prove incorrect.
The Trigger: Portfolio Dispute
According to sources, Reddy had submitted his resignation after being denied the Bengaluru Development portfolio — a post he reportedly expected following earlier assurances. He is said to have communicated his grievance to All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, telling the party leadership: 'Changing it after giving an assurance is not correct. I would not have accepted the Cabinet post if I had known about the portfolio allocation in advance.' Surjewala reportedly assured Reddy he would take up the matter with the Chief Minister.
Behind-the-Scenes Mediation
Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi, a close associate of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, also met Shivakumar and urged him to address Reddy's demands and secure his withdrawal of the resignation. Jarkiholi reportedly also raised the need to keep Minister K.H. Muniyappa satisfied within the party — signalling that the reshuffle's aftershocks extended beyond Reddy alone.
Broader Cabinet Discontent
Health Minister U.T. Khader weighed in on the wider disquiet, including the exclusion of former minister Zameer Ahmad Khan from the Cabinet's first phase. Khader said that 'patience, loyalty, honesty, and commitment are important within the Congress party,' adding that the party and the country take precedence over individual ambitions. The remarks were widely read as a signal to those aggrieved by portfolio decisions.
Modi Remarks and Shivakumar's Response
On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's criticism of developments in Karnataka, Shivakumar adopted a conciliatory tone. 'I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his wishes. We should not do politics over this. Our government is focused on ensuring development for the people. I will meet the Prime Minister on matters related to the state,' he said. The Chief Minister confirmed he had also briefed Surjewala on the resolution of the episode.
With the immediate crisis apparently defused, attention now shifts to whether the Karnataka Congress can prevent further fissures as the Cabinet settles into its portfolio assignments.
Point of View
This episode may be the first of several.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Karnataka minister Ramalinga Reddy resign?
Ramalinga Reddy reportedly resigned after being denied the Bengaluru Development portfolio, which he says he was promised before accepting his Cabinet post. He is said to have told party leadership that he would not have joined the Cabinet had he known the portfolio would not be allocated to him.
Has Ramalinga Reddy withdrawn his resignation?
Karnataka CM D.K. Shivakumar declared on 6 June that the matter had been 'sorted out' following a late-night meeting with Reddy. However, a formal withdrawal of the resignation letter had not been publicly confirmed as of the same date.
Who mediated in the Karnataka Cabinet resignation row?
AICC General Secretary and Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala mediated between Reddy and the Chief Minister, reportedly assuring Reddy his concerns would be addressed. PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi also met Shivakumar separately to urge resolution.
What did PM Modi say about the Karnataka political situation?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly commented on developments in Karnataka, though CM Shivakumar characterised Modi's remarks as conveying good wishes. Shivakumar said he would meet the Prime Minister on state-related matters and urged that politics not be made of the issue.
Are other Karnataka Congress ministers also unhappy with portfolio allocations?
Reports suggest broader discontent within the Karnataka Congress Cabinet. PWD Minister Satish Jarkiholi reportedly raised concerns about Minister K.H. Muniyappa's satisfaction, and Health Minister U.T. Khader alluded to the exclusion of former minister Zameer Ahmad Khan from the Cabinet's first phase.
