BENGALURU, June 6 -- R Ramalinga Reddy 's resignation from the state's newly formed cabinet after being denied the Bengaluru Development portfolio has reaffirmed the importance of a portfolio seen as one of the most influential centres of power in the state government, party leaders said on Friday.

Reddy's resignation came at a juncture wherein Bengaluru prepares for long-delayed civic elections and a new phase of urban governance.

"This is no longer a conventional urban development portfolio," a senior Congress leader involved in discussions surrounding cabinet formation said. "The minister is effectively dealing with the future Congress government."

Krishna Byre Gowda took charge of the department on June 3.

Under the current struct...