R Ramalinga Reddy Resigns as Karnataka Minister, Alleges ‘U-Turn’ by DK Shivakumar

BENGALURU: In a major political development that has sent ripples through Karnataka's Congress government, senior Congress leader and newly inducted minister R Ramalinga Reddy resigned from his ministerial post just two days after taking oath, citing repeated humiliation and dissatisfaction over the allocation of portfolios.

The resignation comes at a crucial time, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi visiting Bengaluru amid ongoing discussions within the party regarding governance and cabinet management.

Addressing reporters on Friday, Reddy expressed deep disappointment with Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, accusing him of reneging on an earlier commitment regarding the Bengaluru Development portfolio.

According to Reddy, he had been assured in 2023 that he would be entrusted with the Bengaluru Development Department once Shivakumar assumed the chief minister's position under the party's reported power-sharing understanding. However, the portfolio was ultimately allocated elsewhere, prompting Reddy to step down.

"I have been humiliated time and again. I cannot take it anymore," Reddy said while announcing his resignation. He described Shivakumar's actions as a "U-turn" from earlier assurances and stated that the decision had left him feeling sidelined despite his decades-long contribution to the Congress party.

Despite resigning from the cabinet, Reddy clarified that he remains committed to the Congress. "I have been in the Congress for 53 years and will continue to remain a Congress MLA and a loyal party worker," he said.

The veteran leader emphasized that his resignation was not motivated by anger but by disappointment. "I am not angry, only disappointed," he remarked, adding that he would not personally hand over the resignation letter to the chief minister. Instead, he planned to send it through his personal secretary to the Chief Minister's Office.

Political observers view the resignation as a sign of growing dissatisfaction within sections of the Karnataka Congress over cabinet appointments and portfolio distribution. The development could further intensify internal discussions within the ruling party, particularly as leaders seek to balance regional representation, seniority, and administrative responsibilities.

The resignation has triggered speculation about possible intervention by the Congress high command to resolve the matter and prevent further unrest within the state unit. With Rahul Gandhi's presence in Bengaluru, party leaders are expected to hold consultations to address emerging concerns and maintain unity within the government.

As the situation unfolds, all eyes remain on the Congress leadership's response and whether efforts will be made to persuade R Ramalinga Reddy to reconsider his decision or accommodate his concerns through a cabinet reshuffle.