MLA Raju Kage Revives Demand For Separate North Karnataka
In his letter dated November 4, Kage said the demand was made “for administrative convenience and comprehensive development” of the region.
Belagavi: The demand for a separate North Karnataka state has once again come to the fore, with Kagwad MLA and North Western Karnataka Road Transport Corporation (NWKRTC) Chairman Bharamgouda (Raju) Kage writing to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking the creation of a new state comprising 15 northern districts.
According to sources Kage has also marked the letter to the President of India, the Prime Minister and the Governor of Karnataka.
In his letter dated November 4, Kage said the demand was made “for administrative convenience and comprehensive development” of the region.
He proposed that the new state include Bidar, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Yadgir, Bagalkote, Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag, Koppal, Raichur, Uttara Kannada, Haveri, Vijayanagara, Ballari and Davangere districts.
“Since the unification of Karnataka, this region has continuously faced injustice, discrimination and a stepmotherly attitude in every sphere,” Kage wrote, adding that “the formation of a separate state would be a matter of pride as it would lead to the creation of another Kannada-speaking state.”
“North Karnataka is a prosperous land endowed with all resources. It has made a significant contribution to the preservation of the Kannada language and to the unification of Karnataka. I extend my complete support to the signature campaign initiated by the Uttar Karnataka Horata Samiti (R). So far, written opinions have been collected with the signatures of over one crore people. The committee has also met the Governor and the President and submitted memoranda to them, and has written to the Prime Minister as well,” he stated in the letter.
“People from all sections of this region are demanding a separate state for their comprehensive development. I sincerely request you to consider our appeal and make an appropriate recommendation to the Central Government for the creation of a separate North Karnataka state,” he added.
The demand for separate North Karnataka state has again come to discussion. Earlier former Minister and BJP leader Umesh Katti too had raised similar demand.