Belagavi’s Suvarna Vidhan Soudha, a grand legislative building symbolizing North Karnataka’s significance, has fallen short of fulfilling its intended purpose, said Belagavi South MLA Abhay Patil. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Patil criticized the government’s lack of commitment to making Suvarna Soudha a hub of state-level governance, calling it a “ghost bungalow” and a “touring talkies.”
Patil expressed his dissatisfaction during a discussion on the development of North Karnataka. He demanded that the state government hold cabinet meetings, state-level conferences, and committee discussions regularly at Suvarna Soudha, instead of reducing its role to hosting seasonal legislative sessions. He emphasized the need to relocate state-level offices to Belagavi to address regional aspirations and ensure Suvarna Soudha remains continuously active.
Highlighting the lack of participation from South Karnataka legislators during Suvarna Soudha sessions, Patil pointed out that only 60% of MLAs attend. Moreover, with only four ministers present for discussions on North Karnataka’s development, he questioned the sincerity of the government’s commitment to solving regional issues.
“Don’t give us lollipops; solve our problems,”
Patil asserted, drawing attention to the neglect faced by North Karnataka.
Patil outlined several pressing needs for Belagavi, including the establishment of an IT park, construction of a sanctioned Kidwai Memorial hospital, upgrading the cricket stadium to host IPL matches, and resolving the Ballari Nala and drainage issues. He also stressed the need for border school development, a dedicated sports club, and industrial growth. Referring to a 60-acre land earmarked for development, Patil urged the government to release the necessary funds for these projects.
In response, Minister of Large and Medium Industries MB Patil acknowledged Belagavi’s growing prominence in the global foundry industry and assured government support to expand it further. He announced plans for a second industrial area in Kanagala and a “stop-top park” in Belagavi, reiterating the government’s intention to boost the region’s industrial and business sectors.