Big jolt to D K Shivakumar: New minister Ramalinga Reddy resigns over portfolio row
Despite attempts by D K Shivakumar to appease him, Ramalinga Reddy remains firm in his demand, escalating the political crisis
Senior minister Ramalinga Reddy has resigned from the DK Shivakumar government in Karnataka, just days after its formation, due to a portfolio dispute, specifically being denied the Bangalore Urban Development portfolio which he was reportedly promised and instead allocated Water Resources. Despite attempts to pacify him by Chief Minister Shivakumar, who is now consulting with AICC leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Reddy remains firm in his demand for the Bangalore Urban Development portfolio.
Senior minister Ramalinga Reddy has resigned from the DK Shivakumar government in Karnataka, just days after its formation, due to a portfolio dispute, specifically being denied the Bangalore Urban Development portfolio which he was reportedly promised and instead allocated Water Resources. Despite attempts to pacify him by Chief Minister Shivakumar, who is now consulting with AICC leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Reddy remains firm in his demand for the Bangalore Urban Development portfolio.
Senior minister Ramalinga Reddy has resigned from the DK Shivakumar government in Karnataka, just days after its formation, due to a portfolio dispute, specifically being denied the Bangalore Urban Development portfolio which he was reportedly promised and instead allocated Water Resources. Despite attempts to pacify him by Chief Minister Shivakumar, who is now consulting with AICC leaders including Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi, and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Reddy remains firm in his demand for the Bangalore Urban Development portfolio.
In a big jolt to the DK Shivakumar goverment in Karnataka, which assumed power just a few days ago, senior minister Ramalinga Reddy has tendered his resignation after a row over the portfolio. According to reports, Reddy had followed up on his resignation threat after not being offered the Bangalore Urban Development portfolio.
Though efforts are on to appease Reddy, he refuses to bow down. He had also switched off his phone after giving the ultimatum about the portfolio, according to local media reports.
Reddy was initially promised the Bangalore Urban Development portfolio. However, Shivakumar allotted him the Water Resources portfolio after the swearing-in. Reddy had expressed his resentment over this and rang up Shiva Kumar to inform him that he was resigning from the ministerial post. Though the Chief Minister tried to console Reddy, stating that he would hold talks with AICC leaders regarding this, Reddy refused to relent.
"As promised earlier, I should be given the Bangalore Urban Development portfolio," Ramalinga Reddy reportedly wrote in his letter.
As per reports, Shivakumar will discuss the issue with the AICC leadership. AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge will arrive at the Vidhan Soudha in the backdrop of filing his nomination for the Rajya Sabha elections. Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi will also arrive on this occasion. Shivakumar is likely to hold talks with the high command leaders about the matter.
Shivakumar has also sought the assistance of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in the matter. Though Ramalinga Reddy has met and held talks with Siddaramaiah, he is said to be sticking to his demand.