Demand for Separate North Karnataka State Gains New Momentum

The demand for a separate North Karnataka state has resurfaced, reigniting a long-standing regional debate. The issue gained new momentum after local MLA Raju Kage wrote a formal letter to the President, Prime Minister, and Chief Minister, urging the creation of a new state to ensure equitable development for the region.

Following the MLA’s appeal, regional groups such as the Uttara Karnataka Horata Samiti (UKHS) and the Uttara Karnataka Vikas Vedike have intensified their agitation. They warned that if their three key demands are not addressed during the upcoming winter session of the Karnataka Assembly in Belagavi, they would hoist a separate state flag inside the Assembly, sparking a major political controversy.

What Did MLA Raju Kage’s Letter Say?

In his letter, MLA Raju Kage called for the formation of a North Karnataka state comprising 15 districts, including Bidar, Kalaburagi, Vijayapura, Yadgir, Bagalkot, Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag, Koppal, Raichur, and Uttara Kannada, among others. He argued that the demand is rooted in the need for comprehensive and balanced development, claiming that the northern districts have long suffered systematic neglect and discrimination in terms of infrastructure, investment, and resource allocation.

Kage alleged that the southern Karnataka government has consistently displayed a biased attitude toward the northern region, leading to developmental disparities. He also extended open support to the ongoing agitation led by the Uttara Karnataka Horata Samiti, asserting that the issue would be raised during the winter session of the state legislature.

With this, Raju Kage has become the first MLA to publicly revive the call for a separate North Karnataka state after the death of former minister Umesh Katti, who had been a strong advocate for the cause.

Historical Context

The late Umesh Katti had earlier sparked widespread debate by proposing that India should be restructured into smaller administrative units to improve governance. “The population of Karnataka has increased from 2.5 crore to 6.5 crore. Given this rise, the state should be divided into smaller administrative units,” Katti had said at the time. “Karnataka should have two states, Uttar Pradesh five, and Maharashtra three. The entire country should be reorganized into around 50 states. I believe the Prime Minister has considered this idea,” he had added.

Echoing Katti’s sentiment, MLA Raju Kage emphasized that North Karnataka must either achieve independent statehood or receive focused developmental attention, asserting that the region’s continued neglect will no longer be tolerated.