Women and Child Welfare Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar emphasized dividing the expansive Belagavi district into two or three districts to ensure balanced development. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Hebbalkar highlighted the district’s large geographical area and growing population, which she believes warrants a bifurcation.
“Belagavi is a vast district, both in terms of area and population. To ensure all regions develop equitably, dividing it into smaller districts is essential,” Hebbalkar said. She added that the move would also address the increasing voter base in urban areas and make governance more effective.
Hebbalkar revealed plans to submit letters from all 18 MLAs representing the district—irrespective of political affiliations—after the Dasara festival to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, urging him to consider the bifurcation. These letters will also be forwarded to Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda.
Although Hebbalkar noted that the decision on the number of new districts lies with the government, she stated that there had been discussions about creating two or three districts. “I was unaware of any specific demand for Athani and Bailhongal to be made into separate districts,” she added.