D K Shivakumar Retains BDA, Hands Metro and Water Portfolios to Krishna Byre Gowda
In a major redistribution of administrative responsibilities in Bengaluru on June 6, 2026, Chief Minister D K Shivakumar assigned key development portfolios to his cabinet colleague Krishna Byre Gowda while retaining direct control of the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA).
Under this new arrangement, Krishna Byre Gowda will take charge of the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL), the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), and the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB). As the minister overseeing these departments, Gowda will manage the city's metro network, water supply systems, and greater municipal administration.
This decision creates a split administrative structure for the capital's development. While Gowda manages the metro, water, and municipal departments, Shivakumar will continue to oversee the BDA, which remains one of the most politically influential agencies in the state's administrative setup.
The BDA plays a massive role in land acquisition, layout formation, and planning for large urban expansion projects in Bengaluru. In recent years, the authority has emerged as the key implementing agency for several big-ticket infrastructure initiatives. These projects include a proposed tunnel road project, a network of elevated corridors aimed at easing traffic congestion, the development of new residential layouts, lake rejuvenation works, and major road infrastructure projects.
The distribution of these powerful portfolios has also highlighted internal discussions within the ruling party. Sources indicated that R Ramalinga Reddy was keen on securing the Bengaluru development portfolio, which includes control over the BDA.
Due to these competing interests, sources stated that the Congress party leadership is mulling the possibility of swapping portfolios between Reddy and Gowda in the future. However, no official decision has been announced yet. Addressing questions on the matter, Shivakumar stated that he would speak to Reddy directly to resolve any differences.
