Karnataka plunged into fresh political uncertainty on Friday, 5 June as Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy resigned from the state Cabinet, citing portfolio dissatisfaction — specifically alleging that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had reneged on a promise to allocate him the Bengaluru Urban portfolio. The development, coming within 48 hours of the Cabinet's expansion and formation, prompted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to claim the Congress-led government was heading toward collapse and an early election.

What Triggered the Crisis

Reddy's resignation was compounded by a second setback for the ruling party: veteran Congress leader and minister K.H. Muniyappa publicly expressed strong dissatisfaction over being assigned the Food and Civil Supplies Department and announced he would not assume charge of the ministry. The back-to-back revolts from senior ministers exposed fault lines within the newly reconstituted Karnataka Cabinet, barely days after Shivakumar replaced Siddaramaiah as Chief Minister.

BJP's Sharpest Attacks

Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra said the Congress had become a 'laughing stock,' adding: 'With the new CM, people were hoping for development but now the indications are very clear. People cannot expect anything from this government apart from corruption.' He went further, stating, 'With the infighting I think we are heading towards early election.'

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla also pointed out that no woman MLA had been sworn into the Cabinet as a minister, alleging: 'They only raise slogans but don't have the intent [for women empowerment].' Poonawalla added that Shivakumar had been brought in to ensure stability, but the same dysfunction that had persisted over the past three years was continuing.

BJP MP Manan Kumar Mishra claimed the government would 'collapse within six months,' asserting that Congress was 'destined to be wiped out from Karnataka.'

Congress Pushes Back

Karnataka minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge moved quickly to contain the damage, clarifying that Reddy had resigned only from the ministry and not from the party. 'He is a very important leader of the party, and I am sure the senior leadership will sit down and talk to him,' Kharge said, expressing confidence that Reddy would ultimately abide by the party's decision.

Congress MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao echoed that sentiment, noting that Reddy and Shivakumar had been political colleagues since 1989. 'I am hoping that the Chief Minister will be able to sort out the matter... I am sure Shivakumar will be able to sort it out and come up with a good outcome,' he said.

What Happens Next

The Congress leadership is expected to hold talks with both Reddy and Muniyappa to defuse tensions before the dissent hardens. This is not the first time portfolio disputes have unsettled Karnataka's Congress government — similar friction was reported during the Siddaramaiah tenure. Whether Shivakumar, who built his reputation as a crisis manager and party troubleshooter, can stabilise the Cabinet will be closely watched in the days ahead.