DK Shivakumar Retains BDA Control as Krishna Byre Gowda Takes Key Bengaluru Portfolios

In a redistribution of administrative responsibilities for the development of Bengaluru, DK Shivakumar has allocated the charge of several key urban departments to cabinet colleague Krishna Byre Gowda, while retaining direct control of the Bengaluru Development Authority (BDA).

Under the new arrangement, Krishna Byre Gowda will serve as the Bengaluru Development minister. In this role, he will manage the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL), the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), and the Bengaluru Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB).

Meanwhile, Shivakumar has kept direct control over the BDA, which oversees major infrastructure and land-development projects in the capital. This arrangement creates a split structure in the governance of the city's key services.

The BDA plays a massive role in land acquisition, layout formation, and large urban projects. Over recent years, it has emerged as a key implementing agency for several big-ticket projects in the state capital. These include the 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 initiatives.

Because of these extensive responsibilities, the BDA is highly influential, making it one of the most critical agencies in the state's administrative structure.

The allocation has also highlighted internal political dynamics within the government. According to sources, R Ramalinga Reddy was keen on securing the Bengaluru development portfolio, including the BDA.

Sources also indicated that the Congress brass have been mulling the possibility of swapping portfolios between Reddy and Byre Gowda, though no official decision has been announced. Responding to questions regarding the issue, Shivakumar stated that he would speak to Reddy directly to resolve any differences.