Minister Ramalinga Reddy was allocated Major and Medium Irrigation projects portfolio.
| Photo Credit: The Hindu
Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy on Friday (June 5, 2026) announced that he will tender his resignation from the post of minister, expressing displeasure over allocation of portfolio.
The minister said he wanted the Bengaluru Development portfolio but was made minister for Major and Medium Irrigation projects.
The resignation comes after Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar allotted the portfolios on Thursday (June 4) night.
“I am resigning from my post because I cannot work against conscience,” Mr. Reddy said at a press conference in Bengaluru. “How long can I tolerate this humiliation and what else were options before me?” he added.
“Twice they called me and promised to give me that [Bengaluru Development] portfolio, but in the end it went to someone else. That is why I feel hurt. Therefore, today I am resigning,” Mr. Reddy told reporters, while asserting that he would continue in Congress and remain as MLA.
This was a major setback for the Shivakumar government, which came to power on Wednesday (June 3).
The Congress leadership made a last ditch attempt in the middle of the press conference to persuade the disgruntled minister, but he remained firm in his decision. He told the leaders who approached him with the party leadership’s message that the time is now lapsed to pay heed to any suggestions.
A copy of Ramalinga Reddy’s resignation letter, addressed to Chief Minister D.k. Shivakumar.
Mr. Reddy, an eight-time MLA from Bengaluru, said he had never lobbied for ministerial office or sought any specific department from the party leadership during his five-decade-long political career.
“I never asked Siddaramaiah for the Bengaluru Development portfolio. He voluntarily offered it,” Mr. Reddy said, recounting events after the formation of the previous Congress government between 2013 and 2018. He also served as Transport minister under Siddaramaiah from May 2023 to May 2026.
He claimed he did not raise any demand for ministership or a portfolio to Mr. Shivakumar as well. “I never asked him to make me a minister. I never asked Siddaramaiah to include me in the Cabinet. I never approached the high command,” he said.
‘Won’t reconsider resignation’
Asked whether he would reconsider his decision if persuaded by the party leadership or offered the portfolio he wanted, Reddy replied with a firm “no”.
The veteran leader also said he bore no personal grudge against any leader despite his disappointment over the developments. “I have no anger towards Siddaramaiah. I have no anger towards Shivakumar. I have no anger towards Kharge. I have no anger towards the high command,” he said.
Will address Minister Ramalinga Reddy’s concerns: CM Shivakumar
Speaking to reporters on Mr. Reddy’s resignation, Mr. Shivakumar said the issue will be resolved through discussions. “Ramalinga Reddy is my colleague and a senior leader. His concern is that he may not be able to work in a department that requires extensive travel, and he would like some other portfolio. I will discuss the matter with him and sort it out. There is nothing to worry about,” the Chief Minister said.
Published – June 05, 2026 10:28 am IST
