Bengaluru, 17 October

In a significant organisational development within the Congress party, Sowmya Reddy has submitted her resignation from her position as President of the Karnataka Pradesh Mahila Congress (KPMC), citing the lack of women ministers in the State Cabinet. 

In a formal letter dated 20 August, addressed to President of All India Mahila Congress Alka Lamba, Sowmya requested the acceptance of her resignation, noting that she had initially taken on the role with a commitment of two years. 

In the letter, Sowmya wrote that the Congress’ five guarantees “created a true women's revolution on the ground", adding that she had travelled across Karnataka to interact with women regarding health, education, and finance, as well as inducting them into the party. 

But she urged the AIMC leadership to bring to the attention of the Congress High Command that Karnataka still does not have a single woman Minister in the State Cabinet. 

Reaffirming her loyalty to the party, Reddy stated she will remain a dedicated worker actively supporting the party's vision and programs to ensure victory in the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections and the 2029 Lok Sabha elections. 

She assured the leadership that she will continue serving as KPMC President until a new successor is appointed.

Sowmya is the daughter of Minister Ramalinga Reddy, who was at odds with DK Shivakumar when the latter became Chief Minister, saying that he was promised the Bengaluru Development portfolio but didn’t end up getting it.