Ramalinga Reddy Restricts Political Work to BTM Layout Constituency

On Sunday, June 7, 2026, senior Congress leader and minister Ramalinga Reddy announced that he will restrict his political and administrative focus strictly to his BTM Layout constituency in Bengaluru. The statement came in the wake of political firefighting efforts by Congress party bosses and Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

Reddy stated that while he will soon take charge of the major irrigation department, he will limit his work entirely to BTM Layout. "I shall limit my work to BTM Layout. I will not go over and beyond it in the city," Reddy said.

The minister further declared that he will "not even consider" taking on the Bengaluru development portfolio even if it is offered to him in the future. This decision suggests he will not participate in the upcoming GBA elections for the city's five corporations, where he has historically held an influential presence.

Reddy confirmed his acceptance of the irrigation portfolio, stating, "It has been offered to me. I shall do better work than any other minister."

The hands-off approach of the senior minister may spell a larger crisis for the Congress party. Reddy has historically maintained a highly influential presence in Bengaluru's city elections. His statement possibly puts an end to any talk of cooperation for party work in the coming weeks and months.

Sources within the party indicated that Reddy's decision follows the appointment of Krishna Byre Gowda, whom they described as a comparatively "junior" minister, to the post of Bengaluru Development Minister. This arrangement reportedly forced Reddy to approach Gowda to seek funds and assistance for his local areas.

In response to the situation, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara dismissed concerns about the portfolio dispute, calling it "a closed chapter." Parameshwara stated that the Chief Minister will make final decisions on allocating the remaining portfolios during an upcoming cabinet reshuffle.