I am awaiting clarity before taking charge of portfolio: Krishna Byre Gowda
Ten days after being sworn in as a Minister, Krishna Byre Gowda, allotted the Bengaluru Development portfolio but without some key components, is yet to
Ten days after being sworn in as a Minister, Krishna Byre Gowda, allotted the Bengaluru Development portfolio but without some key components, is yet to take charge. He said on Saturday (June 13) that he was awaiting “clarity on responsibilities” before formally taking charge “to avoid any confusion” in the future and to “deliver on expectations”. Bone of contention The bone of contention has been two key planning agencies — the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) and the Bengaluru Metropolitan Region Development Authority (BMRDA) — being retained by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, despite Mr. Gowda being assigned the Bengaluru Development portfolio.
Mr. Gowda will have only the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), the five city corporations under it, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB), and Bengaluru Metro under him as per this arrangement. Unhappy with being assigned a scaled-down portfolio, Mr. Gowda was recently in Delhi to discuss this with the high command. However, the issue still remains unresolved. Showing results Speaking to reporters, the Minister said, “There has to be clarity on responsibilities while taking charge of a portfolio if I have to deliver as per expectations.
I need to be accountable, meet expectations and show results.” He further said, “I have convinced the Chief Minister of the need for clarity. He has told me that he will take a final call on it at the earliest after consultations. It is not just about power, but about responsibilities.” Describing Bengaluru Development as “one of the toughest responsibilities”, he said, “If I take it on without clarity, I might end up not delivering as expected.” Within two-three days Shivakumar, the Minister said, has promised to look into this issue and take a call within two to three days.
“It is my responsibility to abide by whatever decision he takes,” the Minister said, insisting that he was not disgruntled but only seeking clarity.
The BriefWire