Minister Ramalinga Reddy Restricts Political Activity Solely to BTM Layout

By Editorial·8 June 2026·1 min read

A photorealistic wide shot of a senior Indian politician in a white kurta and Nehru jacket, sitting thoughtfully at a wo...

Senior Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy announced on Sunday that he will restrict his political and administrative activities solely to his constituency of BTM Layout in Bengaluru. The minister declared that he would not involve himself in the wider development of Bengaluru or the upcoming local elections, signaling fresh trouble for the ruling Congress party ahead of the city polls.

Reddy's announcement came despite mediation efforts by Congress leadership and Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. Although Reddy confirmed he would soon take charge of the major irrigation department, he emphasized that his focus would remain strictly bound to the BTM Layout constituency, with no involvement in broader city affairs.

Speaking on his decision, Reddy stated that he would not consider managing Bengaluru development even if the portfolio were offered to him in the future. "I shall limit my work to BTM Layout. I will not go over and beyond it in the city," Reddy said. This decision indicates he will not participate in the upcoming GBA elections across the five municipal corporations.

Regarding his new assignment, Reddy expressed confidence, stating that the irrigation portfolio had been offered to him and that he would perform better work than any other minister.

The minister's hands-off stance is expected to impact the Congress party's campaign, given his influential presence in Bengaluru's local elections. Observers suggest his statement effectively ends expectations of cooperation for party work in the city in the coming weeks and months.

According to sources, Reddy's decision was prompted by the appointment of Krishna Byre Gowda, a comparatively junior minister, as the Bengaluru development minister. This administrative setup would have reportedly forced Reddy to approach Gowda to seek funds and assistance for his constituency.

Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara downplayed the portfolio dispute, stating that all issues have been resolved and the matter is now a closed chapter. Parameshwara noted that the Chief Minister will decide on the allocation of the remaining portfolios during an upcoming cabinet reshuffle.