The allocation of portfolios in the Karnataka cabinet headed by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has triggered a political controversy, with Minister Ramalinga Reddy resigning from his ministerial post after being denied the Bengaluru Development portfolio. He stated, however, that he would continue to remain in the Congress party.
Ramalinga Reddy had sought the Bengaluru Development Department in the cabinet but was assigned the Water Resources Department instead. Following the allocation, he decided to step down from his ministerial position.
Speaking to the media, Reddy said he had never sought a position during his long political career but was dissatisfied with the current allocation of departments.
Reddy said he has been associated with the Congress party for the past 53 years and has served as a minister under several chief ministers. He stated that he has always worked for the party and prioritised the organisation over personal ambition.
His resignation is being viewed as a sign of growing dissatisfaction within the Karnataka Congress.
According to sources and a PTI report, Reddy walked out of the first cabinet meeting held to discuss portfolio allocation. He reportedly reminded the Chief Minister of an assurance made in 2023 that he would be given the Bengaluru Development Department during a future cabinet reshuffle.
However, the department was ultimately allocated to another minister.
Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar allocated portfolios among 13 ministers late on Thursday. The decision was followed by increased signs of discontent within the government.
The Chief Minister retained several key departments, including Finance, Cabinet Affairs, Personnel and Administrative Reforms, and Intelligence.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara was assigned the Revenue and Sports portfolios. Congress leader Priyank Kharge received charge of the Home Department, excluding Intelligence, along with Information Technology and e-Governance.
Among other ministers, Satish Jarkiholi was assigned the Public Works Department, M.B. Patil received Industries, K.J. George was given Energy and Tourism, and U.T. Khader was assigned Health and Family Welfare.
Krishna Byre Gowda was allocated the Greater Bengaluru Development Department, while Yathindra Siddaramaiah was given charge of the Urban Development Department.
The allocation of portfolios has also intensified discussion over political appointments. The decision to assign important departments such as Home and Information Technology to Priyank Kharge, son of Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, has sparked debate in political circles.
There has also been speculation regarding differences over the balance of portfolios between the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister.
The controversy following the cabinet expansion has emerged as a political challenge for the Congress government in Karnataka.
Political analysts say the balance of power and distribution of portfolios between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar are playing an important role in the government's internal strategy.
While the government has officially denied any dispute, the resignation and signs of dissatisfaction have added complexity to the situation.
Ramalinga Reddy’s resignation is being viewed as an indication of increasing dissatisfaction within the Congress government. If the dispute escalates, it could affect cabinet stability and policy decisions in the future.
Political observers say the Congress leadership will need to address the situation to maintain unity within the government and ensure that administrative functioning remains unaffected.
