Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar has emphasized the need to bifurcate Belagavi district for its overall development, citing its large geographic size and population. She announced on Saturday that following the Dasara festival, all 18 MLAs from the district, regardless of political party, will submit letters to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging the division of the district into two or three parts. These letters will also be presented to Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
While Hebbalkar noted she was unaware of proposals to make Athani and Bailhongal new districts, she stressed that bifurcation is necessary for balanced development, particularly in urban areas with high voter density.
Addressing comments by Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi, who suggested Chikkodi and Gokak should become districts as per a plan from former Chief Minister J H Patel’s tenure, Hebbalkar said discussions with Jarkiholi would take place.
On the issue of the 2A reservation for the Lingayat Panchamsali community, Hebbalkar said efforts would continue to meet the community’s demand, irrespective of political leadership. She mentioned that meetings had already been held and that they would soon meet with Siddaramaiah to push for the reservation.
