Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Jun 5: Senior Karnataka Congress leader R Ramalinga Reddy has resigned from the state Cabinet just two days after being sworn in as a minister, expressing disappointment over the portfolio allocated to him.

Reddy was assigned the Major and Medium Irrigation Department but had reportedly expected the Bengaluru Development portfolio, considered one of the most influential departments in the state government due to its oversight of the capital city.

In his resignation letter, Reddy thanked the Chief Minister for including him in the Cabinet but stated that he could not continue in the post against his conscience.

The veteran Congress leader claimed that he had earlier been assured the Bengaluru Development portfolio as part of internal discussions during the party's power-sharing arrangements.

However, the department was eventually allotted to Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.

“I have been humiliated time and again and cannot take it anymore,” Reddy reportedly said, while clarifying that he would continue to remain in the Congress party and serve as an MLA.

Reddy, who has been associated with the Congress for more than five decades, has previously handled key portfolios including Transport, Home Affairs, Primary and Secondary Education, Sakala, and Food and Civil Supplies.

Reacting to the development, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar described Reddy as one of his closest friends in the Cabinet and expressed confidence that the issue could be resolved through discussions.

The unexpected resignation has triggered fresh political speculation within the ruling Congress, with party leaders expected to hold talks to persuade Reddy to reconsider his decision.