Karnataka: Belagavi District To Be Divided Into Three Separate Entities? Here's What We Know So Far

The longstanding issue of the division of Belagavi, Karnataka's largest district in terms of geographical expanse, appears to be gaining momentum.

It is expected that the district may soon be divided into three separate entities.

Anticipation surrounds Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's upcoming budget presentation on 16 February, where it is speculated that the formation of Chikkodi and Gokak as new districts will be announced.

As per reports by local media, the state government has instructed the district administration to provide comprehensive details about the proposal before the budget session.

Advocates of the proposed division argue that establishing Chikkodi and Gokak as independent districts would streamline administrative operations.

Additionally, appeals have been made by leaders representing Bailhongal and Athani for similar recognition.

However, the people of Savadatti, Bailhongal, and Ramdurga had resisted a merger with Gokak in 1997, preferring to remain a part of Belagavi.

Earlier, some Kannada organisations in Belagavi had also issued stern warnings of a statewide protest against the government’s decision until the border dispute with Maharashtra was resolved in the Supreme Court.

Deepak Gudadanatti, the Belagavi district president of Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, had earlier echoed fears that the bifurcation might empower Marathi-dominated areas, potentially leading to demands for merger into Maharashtra.

Furthermore, as per the reports leaders across party lines, including those from Congress, BJP, and JDS in Chikkodi and Gokak, advocate for elevating these taluks to district status.

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