Karnataka minister resigns over denied Bengaluru portfolio

A senior minister in Karnataka’s newly formed government has resigned just days after taking his oath, citing dissatisfaction with his assigned portfolio. Ramalinga Reddy, a veteran Congress leader, submitted his resignation on Friday, stating he felt humiliated after being denied the Bengaluru Development portfolio he had long sought.

Reddy was instead allocated the Major and Medium Irrigation portfolio following the swearing-in of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his cabinet earlier this week. In a statement to reporters, Reddy said he had been assured on multiple occasions, including as recently as the day before the swearing-in, that he would receive the Bengaluru Development department. He expressed deep disappointment, stating he could not accept the situation any longer and would not accept any ministry now, even if offered his preferred portfolio. He clarified he would continue to serve as a Congress legislator representing the BTM Layout constituency in Bengaluru.

The influential Bengaluru Development portfolio, responsible for planning and infrastructure in the state capital, has instead been allotted to senior leader Krishna Byre Gowda. Chief Minister Shivakumar,...