Karnataka minister awaits portfolio clarification amid confusion

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.