Ramalinga Reddy Withdraws Resignation to Remain in Karnataka Cabinet

Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy withdrew his resignation on Saturday and decided to continue serving in the Karnataka state Cabinet, following a late-night resolution meeting at a private hotel in Jayanagar, Bengaluru. The decision averted a potential political crisis and prevented a vacancy in the newly formed state government.

Reddy had announced his resignation on Friday, just hours after the cabinet portfolios were officially allocated. The veteran Congress leader expressed strong dissatisfaction with being assigned the Major and Medium Irrigation Department. He had expected to receive the Bengaluru Development portfolio, citing his extensive political experience and close association with local Bengaluru constituencies, including Jayanagar and BTM Layout.

At a press conference held on Friday, Reddy expressed his disappointment and explained his decision to step down from the cabinet. He stated that he could not work against his conscience. According to Reddy, party leadership had twice promised him the Bengaluru Development portfolio, only to assign it to another minister. He questioned how long he was expected to tolerate such humiliation. Despite resigning from the cabinet, Reddy clarified that he would remain in the Congress party and continue his duties as an MLA.

The political standoff prompted immediate intervention from the party leadership. Chief Minister D K Shivakumar met with Reddy late Friday night at a private hotel in the Jayanagar area to resolve the dispute. Earlier that evening, Shivakumar and his wife, Usha Shivakumar, had dined with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge at his Bengaluru residence.

On Saturday, Shivakumar announced to reporters that the issue had been successfully resolved. He dismissed speculation about internal differences within the Congress party. Shivakumar stated that Reddy is his friend, all problems had been sorted out, and the resignation issue was officially settled.