Senior Congress leader and Karnataka minister Ramalinga Reddy has resigned from the state cabinet, just days after taking oath in the newly formed government led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar. The resignation follows his reported dissatisfaction with the portfolio allotted to him.

According to reports, Reddy was assigned the Major and Medium Irrigation department during the cabinet portfolio distribution announced on Friday. However, the veteran leader was said to be seeking the Bengaluru Development portfolio, which eventually went to Krishna Byre Gowda.

The development comes at a sensitive time for the new Karnataka government, which was sworn in earlier this week after D.K. Shivakumar took charge as Chief Minister. Portfolio allocation had reportedly been delayed amid intense lobbying for several key departments, including those linked to Bengaluru’s administration and infrastructure.

Reddy cites repeated humiliation

In his resignation, Ramalinga Reddy reportedly expressed strong disappointment with the manner in which the portfolio allocation was handled. He is said to have felt sidelined despite his seniority in the party and flagged what he described as a reversal of earlier assurances.

Reports indicated that meetings were held involving Shivakumar, Reddy and other senior leaders as efforts were made to resolve the issue. However, the discussions did not result in a breakthrough, leading to Reddy’s decision to step down from the ministry.

Early challenge for Shivakumar government

Reddy’s resignation marks one of the first major political challenges for the newly formed Congress government in Karnataka. The cabinet formation process had already drawn attention due to competition for influential portfolios and ongoing efforts to balance various factions within the party.

It remains to be seen whether the Congress leadership will attempt to persuade Reddy to reconsider his decision or move ahead with a cabinet reshuffle to address the vacancy.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and TVK chief Vijay has allotted the state’s lone vacant Rajya Sabha seat to alliance partner Congress, a move that further strengthens cooperation between the two parties after the formation of the new government. The decision comes ahead of the Rajya Sabha elections scheduled for June 18.

The allocation is being seen as an important political gesture by Vijay towards Congress, which has emerged as a key ally of the ruling coalition in Tamil Nadu. Congress currently has five MLAs supporting the government and is also represented in the state cabinet.

Sources indicate that senior Congress leader and All India Congress Committee functionary Praveen Chakravarty is likely to be the party’s nominee for the Rajya Sabha seat. His nomination is expected to be filed in the coming days.

Move reinforces TVK-Congress partnership

The decision follows recent interactions between senior Congress leaders and the Tamil Nadu leadership, including a meeting between veteran Congress leader P. Chidambaram and Chief Minister Vijay. Political observers view the Rajya Sabha seat-sharing arrangement as another step towards consolidating the alliance ahead of future electoral contests.

Congress had reportedly sought the Rajya Sabha berth from its ally, and the allocation is expected to increase the party’s representation in the Upper House from Tamil Nadu. With the latest development, Congress is set to have two Rajya Sabha members from the state along with representation in the state government.

The Rajya Sabha bypoll had earlier been viewed as an opportunity for Vijay’s TVK to secure its first direct entry into Parliament. However, the party chose to back its ally, highlighting the importance it places on coalition politics and alliance management.

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is grappling with a series of political and organisational challenges following its defeat in the West Bengal Assembly election, increasing pressure on party chief Mamata Banerjee and the leadership.

The setback has triggered intense political activity within the party, with questions emerging over leadership, organisational control and the future direction of the TMC as it seeks to recover from the loss.

Leadership dispute fuels uncertainty

The party’s troubles have been compounded by a controversy involving alleged forged signatures and competing claims over leadership positions within the legislature party. The dispute has highlighted divisions among lawmakers and added to concerns about maintaining unity within the organisation.

Political observers view the developments as one of the most significant internal challenges faced by the party in recent years.

Rebel claims add to pressure

The situation escalated after expelled leader Ritabrata Banerjee claimed recognition for a rebel faction and asserted that his group represented the “real” opposition within the Assembly. The claims have intensified speculation about divisions within the party and raised concerns about possible defections.

TMC leaders, however, have continued to maintain that the party remains united despite the ongoing controversy.

Mamata Banerjee calls it a ‘do or die’ fight

Addressing the crisis, Mamata Banerjee described the situation as a “do or die” battle for the party and accused opponents of attempting to weaken the Trinamool Congress.

The leadership has also undertaken organisational changes in an effort to strengthen the party structure. As part of the exercise, several committees and frontal organisations have been dissolved for restructuring.

Road ahead for TMC

With internal disputes and rebellion claims dominating political discussions, the coming weeks are expected to be crucial for the Trinamool Congress. The party leadership faces the challenge of maintaining unity while rebuilding its organisation following the electoral setback.

How effectively the TMC addresses these issues could play a significant role in shaping its future political strategy in West Bengal.