The demand for a separate North Karnataka state has resurfaced strongly, with 26 MLAs, including Raju Kage, set to raise the issue during the upcoming Belagavi session. According to Uttara Karnataka Horata Samiti State General Secretary Nagesh Golashetty, the movement has garnered widespread support across 15 districts, and preparations are underway for a struggle modelled on the Telangana movement.
Addressing reporters in Belagavi, Golashetty said Congress MLA Raju Kage has written to the President, Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and Governor, highlighting long-standing injustice and developmental neglect in North Karnataka. He said the letter has triggered intense debate across the state.
Golashetty stated that 1,48,91,346 people have expressed support for the separate state demand. A meeting of 26 MLAs has been scheduled in Belagavi on December 8, and the issue will be formally raised during the winter session beginning December 11.
Who is backing the separate state call?
The movement led by Raju Kage has reportedly received bipartisan support from MLAs across 15 districts, including Belagavi, Vijayapura, Bagalkot, Dharwad, Gadag, and Uttara Kannada. Supporters include Siddu Savadi, Vijayananda Kashappa, Basanagowda Patil Yatnal, Sharanu Salagar, Sharanaprakash Patil, Vinaya Kulkarni, Aravind Bellada, Janardhana Reddy, Nara Bharath Reddy, and Nikhil Katti, among others.
Ready for a Telangana-style agitation:
Golashetty said that the development of Bengaluru was made possible by the struggle and contributions of the people of North Karnataka, yet vital projects such as the Krishna Upper River Project have been neglected for years. He said the committee is prepared for a Telangana-like movement to press for their demand.
“We will now wage an intense and relentless fight for a separate North Karnataka state. The government will not respond until our struggle becomes impossible to ignore. We are ready for a fierce, Telangana-model agitation,” he said, adding that Vijayapura MP Ramesh Jigajinagi has also extended support.
