Karnataka Minister Seeks Clarity on Bengaluru Development Role

• Krishna Byre Gowda seeks clarity on Bengaluru Development portfolio
• CM DK Shivakumar retains control of key planning agencies
• Minister says responsibility must come with defined authority
• Issue emerges after recent Cabinet portfolio allocation

GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 13th June: Senior Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has broken his silence over the delay in assuming charge of the Bengaluru Development portfolio, stating that he has sought clarity from Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar regarding his responsibilities and authority within the department.

Gowda’s reluctance to formally take charge stems from concerns over the division of powers between his office and the Chief Minister’s office.

While Gowda has been assigned responsibility for the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), Chief Minister Shivakumar has retained direct control over the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA).

Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Gowda denied reports of dissatisfaction but stressed the importance of clearly defined responsibilities.

“When a responsibility is given to me, I expect clarity on my role. The Chief Minister has said he will take a decision on it,” he said.

The minister emphasized that his concerns were not related to power or status but to ensuring effective governance and accountability.

“There isn’t any displeasure. The party has given me a difficult responsibility to oversee Bengaluru’s development. It is a challenging task. I don’t see this as a power issue. Whenever I take up a responsibility, I also accept accountability. For that, there must be clarity. Only then can we deliver results,” Gowda said.

Krishna Byre Gowda was sworn into the Karnataka Cabinet alongside Chief Minister Shivakumar on June 3 and was later allocated the Bengaluru Development portfolio.

Sources said the minister had also travelled to New Delhi recently to seek guidance from the Congress leadership after the Chief Minister retained charge of key urban planning and development agencies.

According to reports, Gowda has expressed reservations about managing Bengaluru’s development agenda without administrative control over core planning bodies such as the BDA and BMRDA, which play a central role in urban infrastructure and land-use planning.

The development comes amid recent political discussions within the ruling Congress government over portfolio allocation. Earlier, senior Congress leader and Water Resources Minister Ramalinga Reddy had reportedly expressed dissatisfaction after not being allotted the Bengaluru Development portfolio. The issue was later resolved following intervention by the party high command.

The Chief Minister has reportedly assured Gowda that a decision regarding the distribution of responsibilities will be taken soon.

The matter assumes significance as Bengaluru faces growing challenges related to infrastructure, traffic management, water supply, urban planning and rapid expansion, making coordination among various civic and development agencies crucial.