The ongoing discussion around the division of Belagavi district is becoming increasingly intricate, with fresh demands and competing claims emerging from various taluks and leaders. While there is general agreement on granting district status to Chikodi, several voices argue that Gokak, which has been advocating for district status for over 30 years, should be given precedence.
As a result, a growing number of people are now supporting the idea of trifurcating the district rather than opting for a straightforward bifurcation. Bailhongal, too, has remained a strong contender, asserting its claim based on its administrative readiness and geographical importance. Locals argue that since Belagavi is already divided into three administrative subdivisions, Belagavi, Chikodi, and Bailhongal, upgrading all three into full-fledged districts would be a logical step. Bailhongal continues to insist it should not be excluded in the reorganisation process.
Adding further complexity, Athani has now entered the race. Two months ago, MLA and former deputy chief minister Laxman Savadi renewed the demand for district status for Athani, proposing that nearby taluks from both Belagavi and Vijayapura districts be included. On Monday, former MLA Mahesh Kumathalli escalated the demand, stating: “Either declare Athani a separate district or merge it with Vijayapura.”
His statement added another dimension to the already complicated issue. Reacting to this, the district in-charge minister Satish Jarkiholi said it was “too early” for a detailed discussion. He added, “Many taluks are geographically closer to other districts. Just like Athani is near Vijayapura, Bailhongal and Kittur are closer to Dharwad, and Ramdurg is near Bagalkot. Everyone is entitled to express their aspirations.”
Earlier, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that the discussion is presently limited to Belagavi and any decision would be made only after consulting local MLAs. Meanwhile, Rajya Sabha MP Iranna Kadadi last week urged the government to act quickly, warning that the division must be carried out before December 31, after which the Centre is expected to enforce a two-year freeze on changes to boundaries of villages, taluks, districts, and urban bodies due to the upcoming national census.
Belagavi remains the largest district in Karnataka, comprising 15 taluks, 18 assembly segments, and parts of two-and-a-half parliamentary constituencies, Chikkodi, Belagavi, and a section of Karwar. Importantly, there is no opposition to dividing the district for administrative convenience.
