Belagavi
Support for the division of Belagavi district is increasing, with leaders from various parties advocating for the administrative split. Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, MP Jagadish Shettar, and MLAs Balachandra and Ramesh Jarkiholi are among those pushing for the change. Belagavi, the largest district in the state, has a population exceeding 50 lakh and encompasses 18 assembly constituencies, 3 Lok Sabha constituencies, 15 taluks, and numerous panchayat constituencies.
District Minister Satish Jarkiholi stated that he is urging the government to bifurcate the district with a focus on the Chikodi center. Minister Hebbalkar emphasized that development in the Belagavi region would be easier with three districts, while MP Shettar noted that forming districts and taluks is essential for development, calling division inevitable.
MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi highlighted the need for taluk divisions before establishing new districts. Balachandra Jarkiholi mentioned that creating Chikodi and Gokak districts has been a longstanding demand from local residents.
MLA Laxman Savadi indicated that the formation of Athani district would be discussed during talks on the district division. Shivaranjan Bolannavar, president of the Bailhongal district horata committee, stated that the existing sub-divisions should be elevated to district status. MLA Abhay Patil added that the division should prioritize development rather than political considerations.
