KBG takes Bengaluru Development charge after nudge from high command, CM

Minister Krishna Byre Gowda took charge of the Bengaluru Development portfolio on Tuesday, nearly two weeks after being sworn in, stating that his decision followed directions from the Congress high command and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.

Mr. Gowda, who was sworn in on June 3, had delayed taking charge, unhappy with the Chief Minister retaining the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and the Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA), two key planning bodies for the city.

“I have told the Chief Minister and the leadership my opinion that the lack of clarity in who is in charge will come in the way of accountability and result-oriented administration,” he said. He added, however, that it was finally the discretion of the Chief Minister.

“I have appealed to the Chief Minister to reconsider his decision. I was of the opinion that it was better to take charge after I got this clarity, but the high command and the Chief Minister told me to take charge and begin work, and that the issue would be resolved eventually. So, I have begun my work,” he told mediapersons.

Mr. Gowda said that improving the quality of everyday life of Bengalureans was his top priority. He held his first meeting with top officials under the GBA limits. He reportedly questioned officials over Bengaluru’s road quality and asked if road construction was “rocket science” and why we cannot build pothole-free roads.