The statement by Public Works Minister and Congress leader Satish Jarkiholi that the State government is considering dividing Belagavi as it is seen to be a too big and unviable to govern district has attracted varied reactions with some leaders welcoming the proposal and others, including organisations, strongly opposing it.
BJP leaders, including MP Anna Saheb Jolle and MLA Balachandra Jarkiholi, have supported the idea. While Mr. Jolle has said that he welcomes the formation of a new Chikkodi district, Balachandra Jarkiholi has said that he will leave the inclusion of taluks to the State government.
The opposition has been equally strong. The reasons for the opposition are different, though. Kannada organisations have asked the government to drop the idea as it will reduce the mighty Belagavi district into three smaller, weaker units and strengthen the demand by Marathi groups that have been demanding the merger of Belagavi with Maharashtra.
