Days after Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced that the Ramalinga Reddy dispute had been settled, new signs of unrest have emerged in the Karnataka government. Two ministers dissatisfied with their assigned portfolios have traveled to Delhi to meet Congress leaders.
Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has not yet assumed formal charge of his department. Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad has also arrived in the capital, reportedly seeking a cabinet position.
These moves have raised questions about whether the recent portfolio distribution is final. The Congress leadership has been trying to present a united front after the earlier conflict involving Ramalinga Reddy.
Sources indicate that Krishna Byre Gowda wants both the Bengaluru Development Authority and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority placed under his department, arguing that without them his role would lack real authority.
Meanwhile, Rizwan Arshad is lobbying for inclusion in the state cabinet. The visits suggest that several expectations remain unmet following the formation of the new government.
The developments follow a recent resolution of tensions with Ramalinga Reddy, who had resigned from the irrigation portfolio after claiming he was promised the Bengaluru Development Department. The portfolio went instead to Krishna Byre Gowda, leading to a public disagreement.
The issue was addressed after a late-night discussion between Shivakumar and Reddy. Both leaders later stated that the matter had been resolved and described it as an internal party affair.
Despite that settlement, the latest trips to Delhi indicate ongoing dissatisfaction with portfolio allocations. Shivakumar now faces the task of managing further demands while maintaining stability in the administration.
