The demand for a separate North Karnataka state has recently resurfaced with force, particularly ahead of the state legislature’s Winter Session in Belagavi.
This renewed call for bifurcation is primarily driven by allegations of regional imbalance and step-motherly treatment of the northern region by successive governments centered in South Karnataka.
Key Developments and Demands
- MLA’s Letter: The movement gained recent momentum after Congress MLA Bharamagouda (Raju) Kage (Kagwad constituency, Belagavi) wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on November 4, 2025, seeking statehood for the region.
- He proposed a new state comprising 15 districts (including Bidar, Kalaburagi, Belagavi, Dharwad, Raichur, and Ballari), citing the need for administrative efficiency and balanced development.
- He intends to raise the issue in detail during the upcoming session.
- Activist Support: Various groups, such as the Uttara Karnataka Horata Samiti and Uttara Karnataka Abhivruddhi Vedike, have intensified their protests and campaigns.
- The Uttara Karnataka Horata Samiti has reportedly collected over one crore signatures in support of a separate state and submitted memorandums to the President, Governor, and Prime Minister.
