‘Ask Shivakumar About Atmasakshi’: Ramalinga Reddy Laughs Off Portfolio Buzz, Says ‘I Never Asked for Bengaluru’
Bengaluru, June 8: Senior Karnataka minister Ramalinga Reddy on Monday triggered fresh political chatter over portfolio allocation in the Siddaramaiah government when he laughingly told reporters to “ask Shivakumar” about the much-discussed “Atmasakshi” issue linked to the Bengaluru Development portfolio.
The remark came when journalists repeatedly questioned him about reports that he was initially promised charge of Bengaluru’s development but was later allocated the Irrigation Department.
When asked whether the “Atmasakshi” controversy had created any issue, Reddy smiled and replied, “You should ask Shivakumar about that.“
‘I Never Asked for Bengaluru’
The veteran Congress leader maintained that he had never lobbied for any department during his political career.
“I never asked for Bengaluru. I never asked for any portfolio. They themselves said they would give it. Then it was taken back. Later they again said they would give it, but I said I don’t want it,” Reddy said.
When reporters pointed out that he had been promised the portfolio, Reddy declined to elaborate, saying, “No comments.“
‘There Are Other Ministers Too’
Reddy dismissed suggestions that he should be given an additional portfolio along with Irrigation.
“No, no. There are other ministers too. Around 20 more ministers will be there. I am not going to ask for Bengaluru. That chapter is closed,” he said.
He reiterated that throughout his political journey, he had never engaged in lobbying either to become a minister or to secure a particular portfolio.
Comfortable With Irrigation Department
Responding to questions about handling the technically demanding Irrigation Department, Reddy said he was not concerned.
“I have been an MLA for 37 years and this is my sixth term as a minister. Every department is new initially, but you learn. There are advisers, retired experts and legal teams to guide us on inter-state water disputes and other technical issues,” he said.
He added that the department already has experienced advisers, including former officials and legal experts, to assist in handling complex river-water disputes.
White Paper on Pending Bills Soon
Reddy also revealed that he would soon present a detailed status report on pending contractor payments and finances of irrigation corporations.
“After reviewing the four irrigation corporations this week, I will place a white paper before the public,” he said.
‘I Have Delivered Everywhere’
Defending his administrative record, the minister highlighted his work in the Transport and Muzrai departments.
He said that despite inheriting financial challenges in the Transport Department, thousands of buses were added, large-scale recruitment was undertaken and the Shakti free bus travel scheme for women was successfully implemented.
“I have worked in every department I was assigned and never earned a bad name anywhere. I will prove myself in this department too,” he said.
‘This Is About Farmers’
Reddy stressed that the Irrigation Department directly impacts farmers and rural Karnataka and said his focus would remain on completing ongoing projects regardless of which government initiated them.
“Whether the projects were started by our government or the previous BJP government, they must be completed. That is our responsibility towards farmers,” he said.
While refusing to comment directly on the political undercurrents behind the portfolio allocation, Reddy’s repeated references to not having sought the Bengaluru portfolio—and his suggestion that questions on the “Atmasakshi” issue be directed to D.K. Shivakumar—have added a fresh twist to the ongoing discussion within Karnataka’s Congress government.
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