In a bold move that has stirred Karnataka’s political waters, Raju Kage, an MLA from the ruling party in the state, officially demanded the creation of a “North Karnataka” state comprising 15 districts. Kage has written to the President, Prime Minister and Chief Minister, citing decades of neglect in developmental priorities for the region. The New Indian Express
What’s Driving the Demand
Kage and the activist group Uttara Karnataka Horata Samiti say the districts in north Karnataka are chronically under-served in infrastructure, industry and education compared to southern parts of the state. The demand hopes to channel regional frustration into a legislative push. The New Indian Express
Political Risk for the Government
For the government of Siddaramaiah, now carrying out a delicate cabinet reshuffle, this demand poses a dual challenge:
- Responding to the request without setting off a state-division frenzy.
- Managing backlash from both pro-statehood supporters and opponents fearful of green-field disruption.
What to Watch
- Will the issue find traction in the upcoming winter session at Suvarna Vidhana Soudha (Belagavi)? Activists say they could be ready to hoist a separate flag in protest if steps aren’t taken. The New Indian Express
- How will the high-command of the MLA’s party respond? Any support or rejection will shape intra-party dynamics and regional representation politics.
- Will this open the door to similar demands elsewhere in India, perhaps reinvigorating debates over bifurcation and devolution of states?
Why It Matters
Statehood demands reshuffle political calculations, not just in terms of governance but also identity, resource allocation and regional power balances. The north Karnataka scenario could become a litmus test for how regional grievances are handled in India’s federal system.
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