New Delhi, June 5: The resignation of Karnataka minister Ramalinga Reddy has intensified the ongoing crisis within the state cabinet. BJP leaders have targeted the ruling Congress party, suggesting that the government may soon face elections following this upheaval.
Ramalinga Reddy, the Minister for Water Resources, decided to resign from the Karnataka cabinet. He accused Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of reneging on promises regarding the distribution of the Bengaluru Urban portfolio.
In another setback for the Congress, senior leader and minister K.H. Muniyappa expressed strong dissatisfaction over the allocation of the Food and Civil Supplies Department, announcing that he would not take charge of the ministry.
Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra claimed in an interview that Congress has become a “laughing stock.” He stated, “The people of Karnataka are witnessing the corruption of this government and how they have been deceived. Just 48 hours after the new Chief Minister took office and the cabinet was expanded, infighting among senior Congress ministers has already begun.”
He further asserted, “With the new CM, people had hoped for development, but the signs are clear. They can expect nothing but corruption from this government.”
Vijayendra suggested that, given the internal strife, the state is heading towards early elections.
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala pointed out that no female MLA has been sworn in as a minister in the cabinet. He remarked, “They (Congress) only make promises, but their intentions regarding women’s empowerment are not clear.”
He added, “D.K. Shivakumar was brought in to ensure stability in the government, but we are witnessing the same issues that have persisted over the last three years. Their priority is power, not the people.”
BJP MP Manan Kumar Mishra noted, “Ramalinga Reddy understands the situation. Many Congress MLAs and leaders in Karnataka also realize that Congress’s downfall is inevitable.”
He claimed, “By bringing in D.K. Shivakumar, Congress is trying to prolong its government, but it will fall within six months.”
Karnataka minister and Congress leader Priyank Kharge clarified that Ramalinga Reddy has not resigned from the party, only from his ministerial position. He expressed confidence that senior leadership would engage in discussions with Reddy.
Kharge anticipated that Reddy would respect the party’s decisions.
Congress MLA Dinesh Gundu Rao remarked that such political situations are common. He expressed hope that the Chief Minister would resolve the matter, noting that Reddy and Shivakumar have been colleagues since 1989 and have accomplished much together.
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