Regional Rights Push
CH NEWS, DHARWAD
Regional groups have strongly demanded that the government establish a second state capital and build an international airport in North Karnataka.
The decision was reached unanimously during an important round-table meeting organized by the North Karnataka Sangha Sansthan Maha Sangha at the K.V.S. premises. Representatives from several local associations gathered to voice frustration over long-standing regional neglect.
Shivakumar Meti, president of the collective, emphasized that their federation actively fights for regional progress. He noted that crucial initiatives concerning local land, water rights, and cultural heritage remain unresolved by the administration. Meti asserted that setting up an official second capital and building a modern international airport must become top priorities for the state government.
General Secretary Shankar Pagoji insisted that authorities take concrete steps to eliminate regional imbalance. He stressed that sustained public pressure from regional organizations remains inevitable until authorities act on basic demands. Addressing cultural disparity, UK Film Chamber of Commerce President Manjunath Hagedar pointed out that sharp discrimination persists across the entertainment industry as well as the regional economy.
Uttara Karnataka Horata Samiti Secretary Nagesh Golshetty warned that continuous official apathy will inevitably fuel stronger demands for separate statehood. Meanwhile, Vice President Basavaraj Bilur argued that concentrating development solely within Bengaluru and Mysuru damages overall unity, urging leaders to announce an exclusive economic package for the northern districts immediately.
Several notable delegates attended the conference, including Pakshi Mitra representative Prakash Gowda, Kali Horata Samiti member Srisailagowda Kamatara, Mallakambha trainer Siddharudha Hoogara, and Bengaluru Maha Sanstha leaders Basayya Nandikol, Shantesh Math, and Devaraj Kavalikai. The united forum resolved to escalate collective protests if their demands for administrative parity, regional capital status, and international flight connectivity face further administrative delays.
