In a significant decision, the Karnataka government has decided to rename Ramanagara district to Bengaluru South. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The district, located about 50 km from Bengaluru, encompasses Ramanagara, Magadi, Kanakapura, Channapatna, and Harohalli taluks.
The proposal gained momentum after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, advocating for the renaming. Shivakumar, who is the in-charge Minister for Ramanagara and the Bengaluru City Development Minister, has been a strong proponent of the change.
“Leaders from Ramanagara district had met me under the leadership of DK Shivakumar, stating that people of the region consider themselves to be part of Bengaluru since the beginning, so the district should be renamed as Bengaluru South district. I said it has to be decided at the Cabinet and will place the matter before the Cabinet,” Chief Minister Siddaramaiah explained.
ALSO READ: UP govt defends order for shops during Kanwar Yatra, says it was done to ensure peace
Ramanagara is the home district of Shivakumar, who first proposed the renaming in October last year. The move has sparked a controversy, with former JD(S) leader and Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy alleging that the renaming is driven by real estate interests in Ramanagara.
He has vowed to reverse the decision if he becomes the Chief Minister again. Kumaraswamy was the Chief Minister when Ramanagara district was carved out in August 2007 during the JD(S)-BJP coalition government.
Responding to Kumaraswamy’s comments, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah remarked, “First of all, they won’t come to power. So, him (Kumaraswamy) reversing it is an illusion.” Kumaraswamy had earlier threatened to go on a fast unto death over the renaming proposal.
Did you know that you can join The Theorist on WhatsApp and stay updated? Click here
The political significance of Ramanagara district is notable, as it is Mr. Kumaraswamy’s stronghold. He has represented the Ramanagara and Channapatna Assembly segments and served as an MP from the region.
The renaming proposal has gained additional importance ahead of the Channapatna Assembly bypolls, the date for which has yet to be announced. The bypolls are necessitated following Mr. Kumaraswamy’s election to the Lok Sabha from Mandya.
