Belagavi: The movement for the division of Belagavi district has gained significant momentum, with leaders from various political parties advocating for this long-awaited administrative change. Key figures such as Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar, MP Jagadish Shettar, and MLAs Balachandra and Ramesh Jarkiholi are pressing for the bifurcation of Belagavi, which is the largest district in Karnataka, housing a population of over 50 lakh. The district spans 18 assembly and three Lok Sabha constituencies, comprising 15 taluks, six RTO offices, and a total of 506 gram panchayats.
District Minister Satish Jarkiholi emphasized the importance of dividing the district to enhance governance, particularly considering the Chikodi center. Hebbalkar stated that the development of the Belagavi area would be more feasible if it were divided into three districts. Meanwhile, MP Shettar underscored that forming new districts and taluks is essential for regional development, asserting that the sheer size of Belagavi necessitates division.
MLAs Ramesh and Balachandra Jarkiholi reiterated that the establishment of Chikodi and Gokak districts has been a long-standing demand among residents. They emphasized that taluk divisions should precede new district formations. In response to these developments, Shivaranjan Bolannavar, president of the Bailhongal district horata committee, highlighted that the current sub-divisions (Chikodi, Bailhongal, and Belagavi) should transition to district status.
While the demand for creating the Chikodi district faces little opposition, there is contention over whether Gokak should be included in the division, with many advocating for Athani and Bailhongal to gain district status instead. Social worker Prashant B criticized the push for division, suggesting it may be motivated by political interests rather than genuine developmental needs. MLA Abhay Patil stressed that the decision should focus solely on development rather than political considerations.
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