Siddaramaiah rekindles debate on dividing Belagavi
Belagavi: Chief minister Siddaramaiah added fuel to a long-standing debate over the division of Belagavi district, the largest in Karnataka, by suggesting the demand for new districts exists only in Belagavi.
He said the issue would be addressed after consultations with local MLAs and the district-in-charge minister.
Siddaramaiah spoke on the issue during a public address in Gauribidanur Wednesday, adding momentum to renewed calls for the district's trifurcation. His remarks follow public works minister Satish Jarkiholi's open support for a division recently. Jarkiholi said splitting the district into three would lead to more efficient administration.
There was widespread anticipation that the govt would announce the creation of new districts — Chikkodi and Gokak — during the legislature session in Belagavi in Dec 2024. Several seers, civic leaders, and local organisations submitted representations demanding the division. However, the govt's inaction disappointed many.
Belagavi is the most populous district in the state, with an estimated population of nearly 55 lakh.
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It comprises 506 gram panchayats — more than any other district — 14 taluks, 18 assembly constituencies, and spans two-and-a-half Lok Sabha constituencies: Belagavi, Chikkodi, and a part of Uttara Kannada.
Proponents of the division argue that new districts would bring administration closer to the people and attract more developmental funds. Currently, people in many taluks, including Athani, Yadawad, Raibag, Chikkodi, Mudalagi, and Ramdurg, travel 100–200km to reach the district headquarters.
Demands to divide the district are not new. As far back as 1997, the Vasudev Rao, Hundekar, and PC Gaddigoudar committees recommended carving out Chikkodi as a separate district. However, the move was shelved after strong opposition from pro-Kannada organisations, who feared it would strengthen Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti's influence. They insist that no division should take place until the Supreme Court settles the Karnataka-Maharashtra border dispute.
Reacting to Siddaramaiah's comments, Chikodi Zilla Horata Samiti president Sanju Badiger told TOI: "We cannot welcome or oppose the CM's remarks. Over decades, several govts have made similar promises without action. We want results — not more words."
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