Minister leaves for Delhi amid row over portfolio jurisdiction

Bengaluru's newly appointed state minister for development, Krishna Byre Gowda, has traveled to New Delhi to press for structural changes that would extend his department's jurisdiction to include key urban planning agencies.

Gowda aims to bring the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA) and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) under his department's control. Party insiders indicate that Gowda believes the portfolio lacks practical authority without oversight of these agencies, which significantly shape Bengaluru's urban planning and development. The issue is framed not just as a portfolio matter, but as a question of where ultimate authority over Bengaluru's development truly resides.

This move follows closely after senior minister Ramalinga Reddy was persuaded to withdraw his resignation over a disagreement concerning portfolio allocation. Gowda has reportedly conveyed his position to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, state-in-charge Randeep Singh Surjewala, and other senior Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi. He is also concerned about coordination with the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), another critical institution for the city's infrastructure expansion.

The dispute over departmental jurisdiction has reignited friction within the government. Gowda's objections reopen questions about the distribution of power over Bengaluru's development agencies. Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad, who seeks a ministry position and recently chaired a committee that recommended the creation of a Greater Bengaluru Authority, will accompany Gowda to Delhi. Before his departure, Gowda met with Chief Minister Shivakumar to reiterate his concerns, with leaders suggesting alternative portfolios, such as revenue, might be considered if the current arrangement remains unchanged.

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The issue is not merely about a portfolio. It is about where authority over Bengaluru actually rests