Water Resources Minister R. Ramalinga Reddy, who had earlier submitted his resignation expressing dissatisfaction over portfolio allocation, has withdrawn it following a series of discussions with the party High Command and senior Congress leadership.

Reddy had announced his resignation at a press conference, stating that he was disappointed after being assigned a portfolio different from the Bengaluru Development portfolio, which he reportedly expected. Soon after stepping down, he left for Krishnagiri in Tamil Nadu on a private visit. On his return, CM D.K. Shivakumar held discussions with him at a private hotel in an attempt to persuade him to reconsider. Former CM Siddaramaiah also spoke to Reddy over phone during the course of developments.

KPCC President B.K. Hariprasad later met Reddy at Shasakara Bhavana, where he was reportedly assured of a prominent role in the upcoming Greater Bengaluru City Corporation polls.

Subsequently, Reddy met the Karnataka Congress in-Charge Randeep Singh Surjewala. Following consultations with the party leadership and advice from the High Command, he decided to withdraw his resignation.

Later, addressing media persons, along with Hariprasad, Surjewala confirmed that the issue had been resolved. “Ramalinga Reddy has been one of the senior-most leaders of the Congress party. Having been elected 8 times to the Legislative Assembly, he has worked closely with Hariprasad since his student Congress days. During our discussions, along with the CM, former CM and KPCC President, we requested him to withdraw his resignation, which he has accepted,” Surjewala said.

He added that the development would disappoint the BJP, which he said was attempting to capitalise on the issue and asserted that the Congress leadership remained united.