BM Bureau, April 6 : In a recent development that has caught attention of citizens as well as politicians, demand for Belagavi district bifurcation is intensifying. Cutting across party lines, leaders and activists have now intensified the demand that was put forth by Minister Umesh Katti and his supporters a couple of years ago. It was during the time of J H Patel, former chief minister, that the demand was first presented and is now gathering more momentum. The recent one to join the bandwagon is the flambyoyant Belagavi Rural MLA Laxmi Hebbalkar . of Belgaum Grameen has extended her support to the bifurcation yesterday.
Extending her support to the demand MLA Hebbalkar recently told media persons that the demand for bifurcation is about two-three decades old. “ Belagavi district, is the largest district in the state geographically, hence it should be bifurcated for administrative and peoples convenience MLA Hebbalkar said re-igniting the long pending issue. The district should be divided into three parts she said without specifying about which talukas should be bifurcated.
Meanwhile, leaders from Chikkodi, Gokak and Athani too have raised the issue and have now warned of an intensified agitation in case the demand is not met. People of Bailhongal taluk too have demanded that the taluka should be made a district.
Echoing the voices of the people and politicians, Food and Urban Supply Department Minister Umesh Katti has demanded the bifurcation of Belgaum district and has made it clear, that he will place a proposal before the Chief Minister. However, he has given preference to bailhongal instead of Gokak .
