Mangaluru: A fresh wave of support is building in coastal Karnataka to rename Dakshina Kannada district as Mangaluru district, echoing recent renaming trends like Ramanagara becoming Bengaluru South and proposals for Tumakuru to be renamed Bengaluru North.
Backers of the initiative argue that “Dakshina Kannada” lacks recognition beyond Karnataka. In contrast, Mangaluru, the district’s headquarters, is widely known across India and abroad as a center for banking, education, healthcare, and commerce. Renaming the district, they argue, would better reflect its prominence and attract greater economic opportunities.
Historically, Mangaluru has always held central importance. Until 2008, the area’s Lok Sabha constituency was officially known as Mangalore constituency, a designation in place since 1951. Before linguistic reorganization, it was part of South Kanara, which included regions now in Kerala.
Leaders from various political parties have voiced support. BJP MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta, representing Dakshina Kannada, has advocated for the renaming since assuming office. At a Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) event, he emphasized that the initiative should arise from public demand.
Congress MLC Ivan D’Souza also urged the state government to act promptly, noting that support spans across party lines and industries. “The name Mangaluru already carries weight globally,” he said.
BJP MLA D. Vedavyas Kamath criticized the historical relevance of “Dakshina Kannada,” pointing out that during colonial rule, the region was referred to as South Canara. He backed the Mangaluru District Tulupara Horata Samiti, a coalition pushing the renaming, and urged Tuluvas to unite for this cause.