Bangalore city development portfolio dispute deepens in Karnataka

Minister Ramalinga Reddy offered to resign after being denied the Bangalore city‑development portfolio in Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s cabinet. Reddy initially insisted on taking charge of the portfolio but later accepted a water‑resources assignment, citing dissatisfaction with the allocation. Senior party figures, including AICC secretary Randeep Singh Surjewala, former chief minister Siddaramaiah and KPSC president B.K. Hariprasad, urged him to stay, and the resignation was not formally accepted.

The portfolio now remains contested. Minister Krishnappa Bairagouda, who has been handed the Greater Bangalore development account, has not yet taken charge, prompting questions about who will ultimately manage the department. Shivakumar has promised a decision on the matter in due course, while sources suggest the chief minister may retain direct control. The dispute involves related bodies such as the BDA, BMRDA and the Water Resources Department, and reflects ongoing friction within Karnataka’s ruling party over city‑development responsibilities.