Reddy walked out of the cabinet, upset over the denial of the Greater Bengaluru Development portfolio that he said he was promised.
Discontentment erupted Thursday night soon after the government notified the portfolios of the new ministers. Though a dozen of the ministers, including Shivakumar, were part of the Siddaramaiah government, there have been a few changes in the portfolios assigned.
Reddy, 72, a veteran Congress leader who represents BTM Layout in the assembly, had earlier been disappointed that he was given the transport department for a second time. In May 2023, soon after taking over as deputy CM, Shivakumar had apparently promised him that he would ensure the Bengaluru development portfolio would go to him when the party elevates him as the chief minister. But when the notification was out on Thursday night, he got water resources.
The portfolio that he desired has been allocated to Krishna Byre Gowda, who was handling the revenue department under Siddaramaiah. Gowda will handle the Greater Bengaluru Authority, Bangalore Metro and Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board. The CM has retained the plum Bangalore Development Authority with himself.
Reddy left his residence in Bengaluru soon after announcing his resignation and sending in the letter to the CM. He also switched off his mobile, apparently to foil attempts by leaders to persuade him. In his letter, Reddy said he was resigning from the Cabinet as he cannot go against his conscience. He will, however, continue as an MLA and in the party, he said.
“I have been in the Congress for the past 53 years. I have handled several responsibilities …I have never asked anyone to give me a ministerial position,” he told the media.The CM, speaking to the media, said Reddy was an important leader to the party and that he would talk to him. Reddy hailed from an urban area and wishes to work in the urban region, he said.
KH Muniyappa, another senior Congress leader from Kolar, had also refused to take charge of the food department, demanding a portfolio connected with rural areas such as agriculture. Rahul Gandhi, however, persuaded him to assume the role.
