Former MLA Mahesh Kumathalli stated in Belagavi on July 7 that if Athani is not granted district status, it should be merged with Vijayapura district instead.
He pointed out that the Chief Minister had indicated openness to bifurcating Belagavi district, and while MP Iranna Kadadi has demanded a Gokak district, Athani residents have long sought their own district.
“If Athani is not made a separate district, it should be added to Vijayapura. It’s far more accessible than Belagavi. Athani is 190 km from Belagavi, but only 65 km from Vijayapura. Most of our daily needs are met by Vijayapura. We only go to Belagavi for official work. People from villages like Telsang and Kottalagi spend 6–8 hours travelling to Belagavi. This is why we’ve insisted on forming Athani district,” Kumathalli told reporters.
Kumathalli, a close aide of BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, also commented on internal party matters, stating that BJP rebels are not pushing for a change in leadership but seeking resolution of a few minor issues.
“The party high command will soon decide on the state unit president after consultations with leaders and office-bearers,” he added.
