BJP Targets Karnataka Government After Minister’s Resignation, Alleges Power Struggle Within Congress

Bengaluru, June 2026 : The resignation of Karnataka Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy has triggered a fresh political storm in the state, with the opposition BJP launching a sharp attack on the Congress government and accusing it of being consumed by internal power struggles rather than focusing on governance and public welfare.

In a strongly worded statement, Karnataka BJP president B. Y. Vijayendra alleged that the ruling Congress is facing growing internal divisions over cabinet positions and portfolio allocations, just months after factional disputes over the chief minister’s post dominated the political landscape.

According to Vijayendra, the same leaders who were previously engaged in a contest for the top post are now competing for influential ministries and key administrative portfolios. He claimed that the state government has become increasingly preoccupied with political bargaining and internal rivalries instead of addressing pressing public concerns.

“The Congress government is mired in corruption, power struggles and competition for influential positions,” Vijayendra said, adding that the current developments point to deep instability within the administration.

He further alleged that the political situation in Karnataka has deteriorated to such an extent that the possibility of mid-term elections cannot be ruled out. According to him, the ongoing disagreements among senior Congress leaders indicate that the government may struggle to maintain stability in the coming months.

Resignation Sparks Political Row

The BJP leader referred to the resignation of Ramalinga Reddy, who reportedly stepped down after expressing dissatisfaction over the allocation of portfolios in the newly constituted cabinet under Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar.

Reddy is understood to have sought the Bengaluru Urban Development portfolio and allegedly felt that assurances regarding the department had not been honoured. His resignation came just a day after the announcement of cabinet portfolio allocations, making it one of the first major political challenges faced by the new Chief Minister.

Vijayendra said the episode reflected serious divisions within the Congress leadership and exposed what he described as a struggle for power within the ruling party.

BJP Questions Government Priorities

The BJP also criticised the timing of the political turmoil, arguing that the government should be concentrating on issues affecting farmers and rural communities as the monsoon season begins.

Vijayendra said the administration’s immediate priorities should include ensuring the availability of seeds, fertilisers and agricultural support services rather than becoming entangled in disputes over ministerial posts.

The opposition urged Chief Minister Shivakumar to put aside internal conflicts and focus on the welfare of farmers, labourers and economically weaker sections of society.

According to the BJP, if the government fails to restore public confidence and address governance concerns, it should consider seeking a fresh mandate from the people.

Ashoka Raises Social Justice Concerns

Adding to the criticism, Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka accused the Congress government of hypocrisy in its approach to social justice and cabinet management.

Ashoka said Congress leaders frequently invoke the ideals of social reformers such as Basavanna and B. R. Ambedkar while taking oath as ministers, but display a different attitude when ministerial portfolios are distributed.

He alleged that many leaders actively seek powerful and influential departments while showing little enthusiasm for ministries such as Social Welfare and Tribal Welfare, which are directly linked to the upliftment of marginalised communities.

Ashoka also raised concerns about the limited representation of women in the state cabinet, describing it as a setback to inclusive governance. He argued that while the Congress often speaks about socialism and social justice, its actions fail to reflect those principles.

Calling the situation an example of “political hypocrisy,” Ashoka questioned the ruling party’s commitment to its stated ideals and accused it of prioritising power over public service.

With tensions within the Congress government now out in the open, the resignation of Ramalinga Reddy has provided the BJP with fresh ammunition to target the ruling administration, setting the stage for an intensifying political battle in Karnataka.