Karnataka Cabinet Row: Shivakumar Admits Promise to Reddy, Moves to Defuse Resignation Crisis

Bengaluru, June 2026 : Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Friday acknowledged that he had assured senior Congress leader and minister Ramalinga Reddy the Bengaluru Development portfolio, but clarified that the final decision on ministerial allocations rests with the party’s high command.

His remarks came amid escalating political tension following Reddy’s resignation from the state Cabinet over what he described as a breach of assurance regarding the Bengaluru Urban portfolio.

Speaking to the media, Shivakumar admitted that he had personally conveyed to Reddy that he would be given charge of the Bengaluru Development department after he assumed office as Chief Minister. However, he stressed that the ultimate decision was taken by the Congress high command, which instead allotted him the Water Resources portfolio.

“The final decision was made by the party leadership. I had tried my best in this regard. Let us see what has happened. I will go and speak to him,” Shivakumar said, indicating efforts to resolve the issue amicably.

He further informed that the Bengaluru Development portfolio has now been assigned to senior leader Krishna Byre Gowda as part of the cabinet restructuring.

Shivakumar noted that while the Water Resources department is an important and high-responsibility portfolio, Reddy had expressed a strong preference for a Bengaluru-based assignment, given his long political association and work in the city.

“There is nothing wrong in his demand. He has worked extensively in Bengaluru and wants to continue serving here. He needs to be explained,” the Chief Minister said, adding that any resolution must be in line with the party leadership’s decisions.

The Chief Minister confirmed that he would personally meet Reddy to discuss the matter and attempt to resolve the disagreement. He also said that Reddy had briefly gone elsewhere but was expected to return soon for further discussions.

Shivakumar recalled that during the 2023 cabinet formation, both he and his brother D.K. Suresh had persuaded Reddy to accept the Transport Department. He also pointed out that a previous portfolio change had resulted in the reassignment of the Muzrai department to Reddy.

The controversy erupted earlier on Friday when Ramalinga Reddy announced his resignation from the Cabinet, alleging that the Chief Minister had reneged on an earlier assurance regarding the Bengaluru Urban portfolio.

Reddy, a veteran Congress leader, said he would submit his resignation and leave the final decision to the party leadership. Expressing deep dissatisfaction, he remarked that the situation amounted to personal humiliation.

“It is about humiliation. How much should I tolerate? I ask the media, what else should I have done?” he said.

Meanwhile, party sources indicated that Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, after consulting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has directed that efforts be made to persuade Reddy to accept the assigned portfolio. If he still refuses, the Chief Minister has been asked to accept his resignation.

The development has added to internal political friction within the Karnataka Congress leadership, even as efforts continue to resolve the crisis.