Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi has said that the long-standing demand for the bifurcation of Belagavi district will be decided by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Speaking after inaugurating an indoor box cricket facility at the District Bal Bhavan in Belagavi, built at a cost of ₹40 lakh, he noted that district leaders have repeatedly submitted joint memorandums to the chief minister seeking division of the large district.
He clarified that the final decision rests entirely with the chief minister. Emphasising that Belagavi’s development does not depend on special budget allocations, Jarkiholi said faster progress is possible through better utilisation of existing departmental funds.
The minister announced that major traffic junctions, including Ashok Circle, Chennamma Circle, and Kolhapur Circle, will be upgraded soon to ease congestion and improve traffic movement. He also stated that the cabinet has approved the use of ballot papers for the upcoming gram panchayat elections.
Replying to questions on drinking water supply from the Naviluteertha reservoir, he said drinking water needs cannot be denied under any circumstances. He added that the Hipparagi reservoir currently has adequate water to meet immediate requirements.
Jarkiholi said that if water needs to be sourced from Maharashtra, efforts will be made across party lines to secure it in the public interest.
Regarding the election of the Belagavi Mayor, he dismissed speculation and said the Congress would not interfere, adding that leadership should go to whoever has majority support.
