Bengaluru: The Congress party is facing a second major hurdle regarding portfolio allocation. Hours after Ramalinga Reddy gave up his demand for the Bengaluru portfolio and assumed charge of the irrigation department on Monday, Krishna Byre Gowda has decided not to take charge of the Bengaluru development department due to a 'lack of clarity' over certain civic agencies.
The most sought-after department is split vertically, with planning authorities remaining under Chief Minister DK Shivakumar. 'Without the planning agencies under him, how can a Bengaluru development minister function?' asked a party leader, explaining Byre Gowda's dilemma.
The planning authorities include the Bangalore Development Authority, Bangalore Metropolitan Region Development Authority, and Bangalore International Airport Area Planning Authority.
Sources indicated that the matter has reached the party high command. Byre Gowda reportedly met Shivakumar last week, stating he would not assume charge until the planning authorities are brought under his control.
The argument presented to the Chief Minister was that officials in charge of the urban development department would have to report to two bosses—the CM and Byre Gowda—on the same issues related to the city's development. 'This is expected to create conflicts. The CM's order will eventually prevail over the minister's directions,' said a source. It is claimed that the party has yet to communicate its stand on the portfolio as it was busy with the INDIA bloc meeting.
CMO officials stated that Shivakumar is expected to resolve the issue himself and convince Byre Gowda to take charge soon.
