New Delhi: Just days after Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar declared that the internal dispute involving senior leader Ramalinga Reddy has been resolved, new signs of unrest have emerged within the state Cabinet.
Several ministers are now heading to Delhi to raise concerns over their portfolio allocations, pointing to fresh trouble for the state leadership. Among those who travelled to the national capital is Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda, who has not yet formally taken charge of his department despite being allotted the portfolio.
Other than him, Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad has also reached Delhi, with reports suggesting he is seeking a Cabinet position. The developments have added to speculation that all is not settled within the Karnataka government, even as the Congress leadership continues to project unity after the earlier internal disagreement.
Krishna Byre Gowda pushes for wider control
The sources indicate that Krishna Byre Gowda is pressing for greater administrative control over key agencies linked to Bengaluru’s development. He is believed to be seeking inclusion of both the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) under his department.
According to those familiar with the matter, the minister feels that without control over these agencies, the Bengaluru Development portfolio may not carry sufficient administrative authority.
His visit to Delhi has therefore triggered fresh discussions within party circles about a possible review of portfolio allocations.
Rizwan Arshad’s cabinet bid adds to pressure
At the same time, MLA Rizwan Arshad’s presence in Delhi has further fuelled political activity with sources suggesting he is lobbying for a place in the Karnataka Cabinet.
These parallel developments have highlighted that aspirations within the party remain unsettled, creating additional pressure on the Chief Minister as he attempts to maintain balance within his government.
Reddy episode resolved but tensions remain
The current situation comes shortly after Shivakumar managed to defuse a dispute involving senior Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy, who had stepped down from his ministerial post over concerns related to portfolio allocation. The matter was settled following late-night discussions between the two leaders.
“Ramalinga Reddy is my friend. All problems have been sorted out. Don’t make up stories. All those stories have become stale. The resignation issue is settled,” Shivakumar had said after the meeting.
Reddy also confirmed that the issue had been resolved, stating, “Everything has been resolved. That’s all.”
Despite the resolution of that crisis, the latest developments suggest that dissatisfaction over portfolios continues within the Karnataka Cabinet. For Shivakumar, managing competing expectations within the party remains an ongoing challenge as he works to stabilise his government.
