Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy Withdraws Resignation After Meeting Shivakumar

Senior Karnataka Minister Ramalinga Reddy has withdrawn his decision to resign from the state cabinet following an intensive two-and-a-half-hour meeting with Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The rift initially emerged after Reddy expressed dissatisfaction over his assigned portfolio, specifically the Major and Medium Irrigation department, while reportedly seeking the Bengaluru Development portfolio. The resolution came late on the night of June 5, 2026, at a private hotel in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, ensuring the continued stability of the state's Congress-led administration.

The disagreement highlighted the delicate balancing act within the Karnataka government, where veteran leaders often compete for influential ministries associated with the state's capital development. Ramalinga Reddy, an eight-time MLA with extensive administrative experience, had felt sidelined by the initial allocation. Congress National General Secretary Randeep Surjewala emphasized that Reddy’s expertise remains invaluable to the party structure and the state’s governance. The withdrawal of the resignation is seen as a victory for the party's internal conflict-resolution mechanisms, preventing a public embarrassment ahead of local body polls.

The BJP had initially reacted to the news of the rift by questioning the longevity of the current government, but the quick resolution has effectively neutralized that narrative for now. Chief Minister Shivakumar assured that the concerns raised by the senior leader would be addressed within the party's framework. This development underscores the ongoing internal negotiations over power-sharing in the Karnataka cabinet. The administration now shifts its focus back to delivering its flagship guarantee schemes and infrastructure projects, having successfully navigated a potential leadership crisis.