Trouble mounts for Karnataka Congress as Ramalinga Reddy’s supporters protest at KPCC office
Former minister and seven-time MLA Ramalinga Reddy’s supporters have gathered in huge numbers at Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office in Bengaluru to exert pressure on the coalition government to ensure Cabinet berth to Reddy. The protest is led by former mayor Manjunath Reddy
FollowBengaluru: There seems to be no end to Karnataka Congress’s troubles. After senior leader Roshan Baig went against the party, now former minister and seven-time MLA Ramalinga Reddy's supporters have gathered in large numbers at Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) office in Bengaluru demanding a Cabinet berth to Reddy in the state coalition government.
The protest is led by senior Congress leader and former mayor N Manjunath Reddy, Gurappan Palya corporator Rizwan Nawab and others.
Talking to Newsable, Manjunath said," The Congress is succumbing to blackmails and pressure tactics of few MLAs who are openly involved in anti-party activity. The party has promised such MLAs Cabinet berths. Ramalinga Reddy is the only leader who has better connect with the workers at the grassroots level and the leaders all over the state. His capability is better than party president Dinesh Gundu Rao. Last time when we protested, Siddaramaiah, KC Venugopal all have promised that they will do justice to Reddy and now it is time as he is a loyal Congressman and can improve Bengaluru."
Few of the supporters say that they are not interested in working for the party and many stayed away from campaigning during the recently Lok Sabha election as they were upset over Reddy being ignored for a Cabinet berth.
Many leaders cutting across party lines feel that Reddy had a better understanding of Bengaluru city and its infrastructure and accommodating him and giving the Bengaluru development in charge at this point of time would benefit the Congress as the party will be facing BBMP elections in a year’s time from now.
“It was Reddy's plan that ensured the Congress come to power in one of the richest corporations in Karnataka. With his diplomatic skills and vision, he could take even the opposition into confidence and work for Bengaluru development,” corporator Rizwan said.
