Accusing discrimination against North Karnataka, ruling Congress MLA Bharam Gowda (Raju) Kage once again demanded the formation of a separate state for North Karnataka in the assembly on Thursday. As an MLA for Kagwad, Kage raised this issue during a discussion on North Karnataka's development.
Previously, in November, Kage penned letters to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a separate state for 15 districts including Bidar, Kalburgi, Vijayapura, Yadgir, Bagalkot, Belagavi, Dharwad, Gadag, Koppal, Raichur, Uttara Kannada, Haveri, Vijayanagara, Ballari, and Davangere. He cited administrative convenience and overall development as the reasons for his demand.
'Why Rs 16 Crore for Kadur, but Not for Kagwad?'
In the assembly, Kage questioned, 'A cabinet meeting on September 25 sanctioned a Rs 16 crore water project for Kadur Taluka (Chikmagalur district). Why wasn't a similar increase made for my Kagwad Taluka? I can't comprehend this system.'
BJP Shows Support
Some BJP members thumped tables in support from the opposition bench. Kage halted them and remarked, 'On TV, it might appear as though Raju Kage is speaking against the government. I'm speaking neither against nor in favor of the government, I'm simply presenting my region's issues.'
Several BJP legislators stated they applauded because Kage was courageously speaking the truth. They remarked, 'When the ruling party's MLA struggles with fund shortages, one can imagine the opposition's condition.'
'I Will Consistently Demand a Separate State to My Last Breath'
Asking for equal funding, Kage inquired why Kadur was allotted Rs 16 crore, but his region was not. He said, 'Why this discrimination? What sin did North Karnataka's people commit? This is why we demand a separate state.' Kage insisted, 'Even if all 224 legislators and numerous organizations oppose, I will fight for a separate state. Whether I live or die, I will continue this demand until my last breath.'
