Ramalinga Reddy’s manoeuvre: Bengaluru portfolio with CM

BENGALURU: In remarks that may reflect the top Congress ministers move to safeguard their positions after the drubbing at the hands of the BJP in the recently concluded Lok Sabha polls, Transport and Bengaluru City District In-Charge Minister R. Ramalinga Reddy said it would be better if the ministry for the development of Bengaluru stayed with the Chief Minister. Especially as presently, the finance portfolio is also vested with Mr. Siddaramaiah, he added.

“It would be better if it stays with the chief minister since decisions pertaining to development of Bengaluru could be taken and release sufficient funds. The chief minister may have little time to look into this portfolio but it will be good if it was with him,” Mr. Reddy said.

But with the chief minister saying he wanted to appoint a minister exclusively for the development of Bengaluru as was done by his predecessors, and the number of contenders for this portfolio in view of its importance, party sources said that Mr Reddy may have been forced to speak out to ensure that none of the five ministers would lose their ministership, (which they would if the present system was changed.). Sources also indicated that none of the five wanted a new face like H.M. Revanna, a close confidante of the CM to come in and take over the key portfolio, which would diminish their clout in the party.