Krishna Byre Gowda Takes Charge of Bengaluru Development Department After 13-Day Delay Amid Portfolio Row
Bengaluru, June 16: Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Sunday formally took charge of the Bengaluru Development Department, ending nearly two weeks of uncertainty and speculation over his dissatisfaction with the portfolio allocation in the newly formed state cabinet.
The minister assumed charge 13 days after being sworn in, amid reports that he was unhappy over not being assigned control of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and the Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA), two of the most influential agencies involved in Bengaluru’s urban planning and infrastructure development.
Following discussions with AICC Karnataka in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, Krishna Byre Gowda arrived at the headquarters of the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and held his first official meeting with senior officials after taking charge.
The meeting was attended by GBA Chief Commissioner Maheshwar Rao, Urban Development Department Additional Chief Secretary Tushar Giri Nath, commissioners of the five city corporations, chief engineers and other senior officials.
Delay Triggered by Portfolio Concerns
Political circles had been abuzz over reports that Krishna Byre Gowda was reluctant to assume charge because the BDA and BMRDA portfolios had been retained by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
Sources indicated that the minister felt the Bengaluru Development portfolio was incomplete without these key agencies, prompting him to delay taking charge and seek clarification from the party leadership.
The issue reportedly escalated to the Congress high command, with Krishna Byre Gowda holding discussions in New Delhi before returning to Bengaluru.
Meeting With Surjewala Preceded Decision
According to party sources, Krishna Byre Gowda met Randeep Singh Surjewala on Sunday before deciding to assume charge. The discussions are believed to have focused on his concerns regarding the allocation of responsibilities within the Bengaluru Development Department.
While there has been no official confirmation that BDA or BMRDA have been transferred to his control, party insiders suggest assurances may have been given regarding future administrative arrangements.
Minister Yet to Clarify Position
When approached by media persons before the meeting, Krishna Byre Gowda declined to comment on whether his concerns had been addressed.
He stated that he would respond after completing his meeting with officials.
As of now, there is no official clarification on whether the BDA and BMRDA will continue under the Chief Minister’s direct supervision or be brought under the Bengaluru Development Department in the future.
First Official Review Meeting
The minister’s participation in the GBA review meeting marked his first official engagement since taking oath as a cabinet minister.
Officials briefed him on ongoing urban development initiatives, governance issues and infrastructure projects under the Greater Bengaluru Authority.
Political observers note that while Krishna Byre Gowda has now assumed charge, questions remain over the distribution of powers relating to Bengaluru’s urban governance, particularly the future role of BDA and BMRDA.
Further clarity is expected after the minister addresses the media regarding the circumstances under which he decided to take charge and whether any assurances were provided by the party leadership or the state government.
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