Karnataka Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy on Friday, 5 June announced his resignation from the state Cabinet, alleging that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had reneged on a personal assurance to allocate him the Bengaluru Urban portfolio. Speaking from his Koramangala office in Bengaluru, Reddy said he would send his resignation letter to the party leadership and leave the decision on acceptance to them.

The Allegation at the Centre

Reddy alleged that during the current government formation process, he was explicitly promised the Bengaluru Urban portfolio after 2.5 years and was persuaded to accept an interim arrangement. He claimed that D.K. Shivakumar and his brother D.K. Suresh had personally visited his residence and assured him the promise would be honoured. Instead, he was allocated the Water Resources portfolio.

'It's about humiliation. How much should I tolerate? I ask the media, what else should I have done?' Reddy said, making clear the depth of his dissatisfaction.

A Political Career Spanning Five Decades

Reddy traced his political journey to 1973, when he entered public life as a student leader through the NSUI. He first contested Assembly elections in 1985 on a ticket reportedly recommended by then-leader Veerappa Moily, at a time when Reddy was serving as a corporator. Over a legislative career spanning 37 years in Bengaluru, he has been elected from constituencies including Jayanagar and BTM Layout, contesting Assembly elections nine times.

He has held portfolios including Education, Transport, Finance, Food and Civil Supplies, Large and Medium Industries, and APMC-related responsibilities. He also briefly held the Bengaluru Development portfolio for one year during the tenure of former Chief Minister S.M. Krishna.

The 2023 Grievance and What Followed

This is not the first time Reddy has raised the portfolio issue. In 2023, he was initially informed he would receive the Bengaluru Development portfolio but was instead allotted Transport. He alleged that after he expressed dissatisfaction, senior leaders including then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah were drawn into discussions to resolve the matter.

Notably, the pattern of promised portfolios not materialising has now repeated itself across two successive government formations, lending weight to his grievance in the eyes of party observers.

What Reddy Said About the Party High Command

Reddy was careful to clarify that he held no grievance against AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, the party high command, or Chief Minister Shivakumar personally. 'No one from the high command has spoken to me,' he said, signalling that the dispute had not been mediated at the national level before his announcement.

In his resignation letter, Reddy expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the Indian National Congress for the opportunities given to him, stating he was resigning because he was 'unable to work against his conscience.' He confirmed he would continue as an MLA and a Congress party worker.

What Happens Next

Reddy said he would not personally hand over the resignation letter and would instead send it to the party. The decision on whether to accept or reject the resignation rests with the party leadership. The development adds fresh turbulence to the Karnataka Congress government, which has already navigated internal friction over portfolio distribution since taking office.