Ramalinga Reddy to Focus Only on BTM Layout, Rejects Bengaluru Development

Senior Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy announced on Sunday that he will restrict his ministerial work exclusively to his constituency of BTM Layout in Bengaluru, declaring that he will not consider broader Bengaluru development.

Reddy, who is slated to take charge of the major irrigation department, stated that he will limit his work strictly to BTM Layout and will not go beyond it. He also made it clear that he would not even consider taking up the Bengaluru development portfolio 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. He maintained that he would do better work in the major irrigation department than any other minister.

This hands-on restriction is expected to trigger a significant crisis for the Congress party. Reddy possesses an influential presence in city politics, and his refusal to look beyond his constituency indicates he will not participate in the upcoming GBA elections to the five corporations. Observers note that his statement likely ends any expectations of cooperation for party work in the coming weeks and months.

According to sources, Reddy’s decision is linked to portfolio disputes. The appointment of Krishna Byre Gowda, whom sources described as a comparatively junior minister, to the post of Bengaluru development minister reportedly upset Reddy, as it would require him to seek funds and assistance from Gowda for his local area.

The development comes despite recent firefighting efforts by Congress leaders, including chief minister DK Shivakumar.

However, Deputy Chief Minister G Parameshwara dismissed the situation, stating that the portfolio issues have been resolved. Parameshwara described the dispute as a closed chapter and stated that the chief minister would make decisions on allocating the remaining portfolios during an upcoming cabinet reshuffle.