On Thursday morning, Kallayya Mathpati started the one-man cycle rally to Bengaluru from Gokak, seeking formation of a separate Gokak district. The septuagenarian plans a dharna in Bengaluru till the State Government announces its decision on the issue. Several groups have been demanding that Gokak be carved out of Belagavi as a separate district and made the headquarter. This old demand has resurfaced now.
This time around, many activists are unhappy with Umesh Katti, Minister for Food and Civil Supplies, for allegedly trying to deprive the chance of Gokak from becoming a new district. Mr. Katti has been saying that the district should be divided into Chikkodi and Bailhongal districts. He has brushed aside suggestions that Gokak should become a separate entity.
A recent protest meeting, called to press for a new Gokak district, got diverted to condemn the alleged political moves behind the demand. Laxmi Hebbalkar, Congress MLA, sought creation of three new districts, for development and efficient administration. But she stopped short of naming the new districts.
