Senior Karnataka minister Krishna Byre Gowda has not yet taken charge of key Bengaluru development portfolios due to ongoing confusion over his responsibilities. He is reportedly seeking full charge of Bengaluru development without division.
The unresolved portfolio allocation for Bengaluru development highlights internal party dynamics and potential governance challenges in managing the city's growth and infrastructure projects.
Confusion persists over the Bengaluru development portfolio, with senior minister Krishna Byre Gowda yet to assume charge pending clarification of his responsibilities. He has not taken charge of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board (BWSSB), and Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL). The more significant charges of Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) remain with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.
Gowda, who represents Byatarayanapura in the assembly, is reportedly seeking the entire Bengaluru development charge without it being divided. He has conveyed this to the AICC leadership, stating his effectiveness as a minister depends on receiving full charge. This situation echoes a previous instance in May 2023 when veteran Congress leader Ramalinga Reddy was initially promised Bengaluru affairs but ended up with the water resources portfolio, only relenting after AICC General Secretary RS Surjewala intervened.
Independent observers suggest Gowda's influence might be limited once the five city corporations under the GBA establish their own elected councils by August 31, as mandated by the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, major infrastructure projects are being managed by the BDA, headed by NA Haris, a Shivakumar loyalist and ministerial aspirant, whose seniority may have influenced the decision not to place a minister above him. Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, currently in Delhi, met with Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi on Wednesday.
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