Ramalinga Reddy Restricts Political Work Solely to BTM Layout Constituency
On June 8, 2026, senior Congress leader and minister Ramalinga Reddy announced that he will restrict his political focus and activities solely to the BTM Layout constituency in Bengaluru. The announcement comes despite recent firefighting efforts by Congress party bosses and Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to resolve portfolio issues within the party.
Reddy stated that while he will soon take charge of the major irrigation department, he will limit his responsibilities strictly to his own constituency of BTM Layout and will not extend his work beyond it. The minister stated he would "not even consider" taking on the Bengaluru development portfolio even if it is offered to him in the future.
"I shall limit my work to BTM Layout. I will not go over and beyond it in the city," Reddy said.
This decision indicates that Reddy will not involve himself in the upcoming GBA elections to the five corporations in Bengaluru. His hands-off approach is expected to pose a challenge for the Congress party, given his influential presence in the city's local elections. Observers note that his stance could halt cooperation for party work in the coming weeks and months.
According to sources, Reddy's decision follows the appointment of Krishna Byre Gowda, whom sources described as a comparatively "junior" minister, to the post of Bengaluru development minister. This arrangement reportedly forced Reddy to approach Gowda to seek funds and assistance for his constituency areas.
Despite Reddy's statements, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara dismissed further concerns regarding the portfolio situation. Parameshwara declared the issue "a closed chapter" and stated that all matters had been resolved. He added that the Chief Minister will make decisions regarding the allocation of the remaining portfolios during an upcoming cabinet reshuffle.
Reddy expressed confidence in his upcoming role, stating that the irrigation portfolio has been offered to him and that he will perform better work than any other minister.
