Rajya Sabha MP Iranna Kadadi has strongly urged the Karnataka state government to take a firm decision on the long-pending demand to bifurcate Belagavi district by December 31, 2025. He warned that any further delay would effectively freeze the process due to upcoming census-related restrictions.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Kadadi cited recent circulars issued by the Census Relations Centre to all state governments, asking them to finalise any changes to administrative boundaries before the end of 2025. “House listing for the next census begins on January 1, 2026, and the process takes around two years. Once that begins, no administrative changes—like the creation of new districts—can take place. Therefore, the state must act immediately,” he insisted.
Kadadi expressed frustration over the three-decade delay in dividing Belagavi district. “Successive governments have made hollow promises. Reports from various commissions recommending the division are gathering dust, blocked by vested interests who don’t want it to happen,” he said bluntly.
He added that even District In-Charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi supports the bifurcation. “Belagavi is one of the largest districts in Karnataka, and administratively it has become unmanageable. Senior officers are overburdened, government funds are underutilized, and development is suffering.”
When asked what new districts could be carved out, Kadadi said, “Let there be a public debate based on commission reports. I support the creation of Chikkodi and Gokak as separate districts. Even Bailhongal becoming a district is fine with me—but Bailhongal must cooperate in forming the Gokak district.”
Addressing concerns that splitting Belagavi might reignite the Karnataka-Maharashtra border dispute, Kadadi dismissed such fears. “That issue is a closed chapter now. Administrative decisions like district bifurcation have nothing to do with boundary disputes. Let’s not mix the two,” he clarified.
Kadadi concluded with a strong message: “If the government is serious about decentralization and development, it must not miss this final window of opportunity. The people of this region deserve better administration and faster development.”