Bengaluru: Senior Congress leader R Ramalinga Reddy resigned from the Karnataka cabinet on live television, alleging he was promised a particular department but was later denied the ministry.
Reddy, the minister of major and medium irrigation department, claimed he was promised the Bengaluru development department, which was allotted to another senior Congress leader, Krishna Byre Gowda.
Reddy, a 72-year-old eight-time MLA and eight-time minister, said he had not resigned from the Congress party and would continue to remain a party member and legislator.
He alleged that he was humiliated time and again and could not take it anymore, adding that he would not reconsider his decision even if persuaded by the party leadership or offered the portfolio he wanted.
Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar sought to play down concerns, indicating that the issue would be resolved, while State Home Minister Priyank Kharge underlined Reddy's importance to both the party and the state.
