Ramalinga Reddy's second googly for Congress: 'I'll work only for BTM Layout, won't consider Bengaluru development'

BENGALURU: After firefighting by Congress bosses and chief minister DK Shivakumar, senior leader Ramalinga Reddy Sunday let loose a second googly, saying he would soon take charge of the major irrigation department but restrict himself to BTM Layout, his constituency, and nothing beyond.

In fresh trouble for the Bengaluru-polls-bound Congress, the minister said he will "not even consider" Bengaluru development even if offered in the future.

Reddy told TOI: "I shall limit my work to BTM Layout. I will not go over and beyond it in the city." It is a broad hint he would not involve himself in the upcoming GBA elections to the five corporations. "It (irrigation) has been offered to me. I shall do better work than any other minister," he said.

The hands-off approach of the minister may spell a bigger crisis for Congress since he has an influential presence in the city elections.

His statement possibly puts an end to any talk of "cooperation" for party work in the coming weeks and months.

Sources claimed the decision comes in the wake of a comparatively "junior" minister in Krishna Byre Gowda taking charge as Bengaluru development minister and being forced to go to him seeking funds and assistance for his areas in the city.

Deputy chief minister G Parameshwara dismissed any further development on the portfolio situation and said all issues have been resolved. He said it was "a closed chapter". "The CM will decide on allocating the rest of the portfolios when the cabinet reshuffle takes place," he said.