Belagavi
A letter from the government to the office of Regional Commissioner has triggered anticipation of an announcement trifurcating district during the ongoing budget session. Rumours suggest Chikodi and Gokak would be made new districts.
The demand to trifurcate Belagavi, the second largest district after Bengaluru Urban in terms of assembly seats, is a long-pending one since most people must travel long distances to reach the district headquarters. The government’s letter to the Regional Commissioner issued in November 2023 had sought details on demands for new taluks and districts, besides information on the distance from existing district and taluk headquarters. The letter was forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner office.
Since Lok Sabha elections are around the corner, the letter has sparked rumours that an announcement would be made during the budget session. The struggle seeking district status for Chikodi and Gokak has been on for decades. Chikodi already has several district-level offices of various departments, including the judiciary, functioning within its jurisdiction. Gokak too has some district-level offices. There is also growing demand to make Bailhongal and Athani new districts, besides several other new taluks.
However, District Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Patil denied receiving any such letter. He said only some organisations have presented memorandums demanding district status for Chikodi and Gokak.
Sanju Badiger, President, Chikodi Zilla Sangharsh Samiti was hopeful that Chikodi would be made a new district. We have been fighting for the past three decades for the cause, but successive governments have conveniently ignored the issue, he said.
