The demand to bifurcate the large Belagavi district gathered momentum on Monday as two delegations, one led by Arabhavi BJP MLA Balachandra Jarkiholi and another by District In-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi, met Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging him to create separate Gokak and Chikkodi districts while retaining a smaller Belagavi.
With 18 Assembly constituencies, Belagavi is the largest political district outside Bengaluru. MLA Balachandra Jarkiholi pressed the need for administrative convenience, calling for the Gokak district to be formed first as per earlier commission recommendations.
Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi, Balachandra’s brother, echoed the demand, noting that several legislators have been pushing for the division since the Congress government assumed office. He said the delegation met the CM at the tourist bungalow in Belagavi and submitted their request. Religious leaders, including Murugha Rajendra Swamiji of Gokak Shunya Sampadana Mutt and Amar Siddeshwara Swamiji of Ankalagi Adavi Siddeshwara Mutt, were also present.
Speaking to the media, Satish said, “We are consistently pressuring the government to approve the creation of Gokak and Chikkodi districts. The Chief Minister has agreed to convene a meeting with all MLAs, MPs, and Legislative Council members of Belagavi district to arrive at a final decision. This is the first time such a meeting is being called.”
He added that commissions two decades ago had recommended carving out Gokak and Chikkodi districts, and that forming Athani or Bailhongal districts would be more challenging. The minister said the CM assured that a meeting would be held within two days to discuss the matter.
MLA Balachandra Jarkiholi said the delegation had urged the CM to divide Belagavi from an administrative standpoint. “All 18 MLAs will be consulted before a decision is taken. We have emphasized that the Gokak district should be created first, according to the commission’s report. There is hope that the division may be approved in this session,” he said.
