Bengaluru: The aftermath of the allocation of Karnataka Cabinet berths and portfolio assignments is far from settled as the Congress leaders find themselves immersed in a fresh battle for power.
This time, the struggle for power revolves around the appointment of key figures to head various Boards and Corporations, with the Chairmanship of the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) emerging as the focal point of the conflict.
This highly coveted position has ignited intense lobbying and demands from ministerial aspirants who were left disappointed by their exclusion. Prominent contenders, including T. B. Jayachandra, N. A. Haris, and Priyakrishna, have emerged, all fiercely eying this rich, corrupt and influential role.
Jayachandra, an influential MLA hailing from Sira Assembly constituency in Tumakuru District, expressed his unwavering desire to assume the Chairmanship of the BDA. Despite his relentless efforts to secure a ministerial position, Jayachandra was denied.
In a bid to address this disappointment, sources reveal that Jayachandra recently held a meeting with Deputy Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar, where he emphatically demanded the crucial post. Sensing the challenges that may arise due to competition, Jayachandra has also formally requested the position of Special Representative of the Government of Karnataka to the Union Government, a Cabinet rank role intended to aid better cooperation between the state and the Centre.
However, Jayachandra faces formidable competition from other Bengaluru-based MLAs who have set their sights on the coveted BDA Chairmanship. Notably, N. A. Haris, the influential MLA representing Shanthinagar, has expressed a keen interest in assuming this prominent role. Furthermore, Priyakrishna, who represents the Govindarajanagar constituency, has also entered the fray.
It is worth noting that Priyakrishna’s father, M. Krishnappa, a Congress MLA from Vijayanagar, had also aspired for a ministerial position but was denied the opportunity. Krishnappa is now reportedly campaigning for his son to secure the BDA Chairmanship.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, Rizwan Arshad, the Congress MLA from Shivajinagar is exerting pressure on party leaders to consider him for the BDA Chairman’s post, further intensifying the competition.
To quell the discontent stemming from the denial of ministerial berths, the Congress party is anticipated to start appointing heads for various Boards and Corporations in June, aiming to appease the disgruntled MLAs overlooked during the Cabinet formation.
The BDA Chairman position, during the previous Government’s tenure was held by S. R. Vishwanath, a BJP MLA from Yelahanka.
The Bangalore Development Authority has been at the helm of alleged corruption activities. Several activists vehemently denounced the BDA as a breeding ground for corruption. Earlier this year, the Lokayukta conducted raids on the BDA Office following multiple corruption complaints, further tarnishing its reputation.
As the Congress party navigates this internal power struggle to determine key appointments, the challenge lies in striking a delicate balance between addressing the aspirations of its members and upholding the imperative for transparency and accountability within the BDA. The path ahead remains uncertain, with the party leadership tasked with finding a resolution that satisfies all stakeholders involved.
As the Congress party grapples with the disgruntlement and BDA Chairman aspirants, the path ahead remains uncertain for three of these four aspirants. Balancing the aspirations of its members while upholding the principles of transparency and accountability within the BDA presents a formidable challenge for the party leadership.
The fight for BDA Chairmanship is not to be taken lightly as there’s a great deal of power and money to be dealt with.