Crack in DKS government? Minister unhappy with portfolio, may resign

Denied the Bengaluru Development portfolio and allotted Major and Medium Irrigation instead, Ramalinga Reddy is considering stepping down from the cabinet, according to sources.

In Short

• Ramalinga Reddy upset over Bengaluru Development portfolio denial
• Reddy given Major and Medium Irrigation instead
• Bengaluru Development portfolio assigned to Krishna Byre Gowda

Barely days after the DK Shivakumar cabinet was formed, signs of internal discord have emerged. Senior Congress leader and Karnataka minister Ramalinga Reddy is set to address a press conference at 9 am amid discontent over his cabinet portfolio. Sources told India Today that he is upset over being denied the Bengaluru Development portfolio and may resign from the cabinet.

The eight-time legislator has reportedly expressed his unwillingness to accept any ministry other than Bengaluru Development. However, he was instead allotted the Major and Medium Irrigation portfolio, triggering intense discussions within the Karnataka government.

While Shivakumar has retained the Finance portfolio, he has relinquished the Bengaluru Development portfolio, which he held as Deputy Chief Minister.

The Bengaluru Development department, regarded as one of the most coveted portfolios in the Karnataka government, has now been given to Krishna Byre Gowda.

Reddy, who had sought the Bengaluru Development portfolio, is said to have expressed his displeasure during meetings with Shivakumar and remains reluctant to accept another portfolio.

The 72-year-old MLA from BTM Layout in Bengaluru had served as the minister for Transport and Hindu Religious Endowment in the Siddaramaiah government. He has also held the Home portfolio in the past.

- Ends