Merge with Vijayapura if Athani District Plan Fails, Urges Former MLA

Fast Summary:

• Former MLA Mahesh Kumathalli proposed that if Athani taluk is not declared a separate district, then it should join Vijayapura district instead of remaining part of Belagavi.
• He argued that Athani is geographically closer to Vijayapura (65 km away) than to Belagavi (190 km), and residents often rely on Vijayapura for daily needs while traveling to Belagavi mainly for administrative purposes.
• Villages in Athani taluk face significant travel time-up to 6-8 hours-to reach Belagavi, which adds inconvenience for locals.
• The Karnataka government has expressed openness to the idea of dividing Belagavi district,with MP Iranna Kadadi pushing for the creation of Gokak district as well.
• Kumathalli stated that BJP rebels in Karnataka are not seeking a change in leadership but hope for resolution of minor internal issues within the party.
• On BJP’s organizational matters, he mentioned that the appointment process for the state party president will involve consultations with leaders and office-bearers.

Indian Opinion Analysis:
Mahesh Kumathalli’s comments highlight growing demands for localized governance structures in rural Karnataka-a reflection of challenges faced by regions with distant administrative centers like Athani taluk under its current setup within Belagavi district. A more proximate administration coudl alleviate logistical burdens on residents and improve access to services. However, proposals like these must balance practical geographic conditions with past and political considerations.

The broader discussion on dividing districts also signals shifting priorities toward restructuring administrative boundaries rather than status quo governance models. While this provides opportunities for increased efficiency at local levels, it may lead to debates over resource allocation or long-term implications.

Additionally, internal stability within major political parties like BJP remains crucial during such transitions; resolving intra-party differences responsibly can help maintain focus on addressing public demands rather than diverting attention through leadership uncertainties.

For more details: Read here