District Division Debate Gains Momentum in Belagavi

BELAGAVI

The debate over dividing Belagavi district has intensified, with multiple taluks and leaders staking their claim for new district status. While Chikkodi enjoys widespread support for elevation, many argue that Gokak, which has pursued district status for over 30 years, should be prioritised.

This tug-of-war has led to increasing public support for trifurcating the district rather than a simple bifurcation. Bailhongal, already an administrative sub-division, continues to assert its case, citing administrative viability and geographic relevance. Residents insist that since Belagavi is currently divided into three sub-divisions, it is logical to elevate all three—Chikkodi, Gokak, and Bailhongal—to full-fledged districts.

Further complicating matters, Athani has entered the scene. Two months ago, former Deputy Chief Minister and MLA Laxman Savadi demanded district status for Athani by including neighbouring taluks from both Belagavi and Vijayapura districts. On Monday, former MLA Mahesh Kumathalli went a step further, suggesting either the creation of a new district centered on Athani or merging it with Vijayapura.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah earlier clarified that discussions are currently limited to Belagavi district and that a decision will be made in consultation with local MLAs.

Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Iranna Kadadi has urged urgency, warning that the state government must act before December 31, as the Centre will soon impose a two-year freeze on administrative boundary changes in view of the upcoming national census.

BOX

Belagavi is Karnataka’s largest district, comprising 15 taluks, 18 assembly constituencies, and 2.5 parliamentary segments — Chikkodi, Belagavi, and part of Karwar. There is general consensus that division is needed for better administration, not out of discontent.