‘No Reaction, Thank You’: Krishna Byre Gowda’s Silent Smile Fuels Bengaluru Portfolio Buzz
Bengaluru, June 8: While senior Congress leaders continue to be drawn into questions over the Bengaluru Development portfolio, Minister Krishna Byre Gowda chose a different approach on Monday — a smile, a laugh and a firm refusal to enter the controversy.
For nearly five minutes, reporters repeatedly surrounded the minister, seeking answers on why he has not yet formally assumed charge of the Bengaluru Development Department despite the portfolio allocation being announced nearly a week ago.
Instead of engaging in the political speculation, Krishna Byre Gowda delivered what many observers described as a masterclass in political restraint.
‘No Reaction, Thank You’
Questions came thick and fast.
Was he unhappy with the portfolio allocation?
Had he sought Bengaluru Development along with BDA and BMRDA?
Had he spoken to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar?
Was there pressure from within the Congress party?
Each question was met with either a smile, laughter, or a polite refusal to comment.
“No reaction. Thank you,” the minister said while attempting to move through the crowd.
When journalists continued pressing him over reports suggesting he was upset about not being given the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) and Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) along with the Bengaluru Development portfolio, Krishna Byre Gowda remained unshaken.
‘Talking Becomes a Mistake’
At one point, the minister jokingly remarked:
“If I speak, it becomes a mistake.”
When reporters reminded him that he had already spoken to a television channel, he laughed and replied:
“That was the mistake.”
The response triggered laughter among journalists and immediately became the highlight of the interaction.
‘Please Let the Traffic Move’
As the questions continued, Krishna Byre Gowda repeatedly requested reporters to clear the way.
“Please allow the traffic to move. Let people pass.”
He also appealed to journalists not to read too much into media reports.
“Please don’t do this. I have respect for all of you. Look at what I actually said. I did not say what is being attributed to me,” he said.
Denies Any Discontent
When directly asked whether he was unhappy with the portfolio allocation, the minister firmly rejected the suggestion.
“What dissatisfaction? If someone twists my words, what can I do?” he responded.
Even after repeated attempts by reporters to get a political reaction, Krishna Byre Gowda maintained his position.
“That’s exactly why I speak less,” he said with a smile.
Bengaluru Portfolio Row Continues
The comments come amid ongoing political discussions within the Karnataka Congress over the Bengaluru Development portfolio.
Reports have suggested that there were differing views within the party regarding the allocation of Bengaluru-related responsibilities, particularly concerning the absence of BDA and BMRDA from the portfolio currently assigned to Krishna Byre Gowda.
However, the minister himself has consistently denied making any demand for additional Bengaluru-related agencies and has refused to publicly comment on internal discussions.
Silence Speaks Louder
While others in the government have offered explanations, clarifications and counter-clarifications, Krishna Byre Gowda’s approach has been notably different.
Rather than adding fuel to speculation, the minister chose humour, restraint and a repeated “No Reaction.”
Ironically, in trying not to make news, Krishna Byre Gowda may have ended up creating the biggest headline of the day.
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