Former Deputy Chief Minister and senior BJP leader Govind Karjol has criticized Kagwad MLA Raju Kage for demanding the creation of a separate North Karnataka state, emphasizing the importance of state unity and urging that regional concerns be addressed through dialogue with the government rather than secession.

Karjol, an MP from Chitradurga, remarked that Karnataka, previously known as Mysore State, was built through years of struggle and sacrifice. “One of my family members was also jailed for struggling for the formation of Akhanda Karnataka. BJP will never support the demand of splitting the state,” he said, adding that issues regarding uneven development must be raised with the government rather than used as grounds to divide the state.

“If someone feels that their region is neglected, they have to fight with the government to sort it out. Nobody should speak of splitting the state,” Karjol stressed.

MLA Kage’s Proposal

The controversy arose after Raju Kage wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, advocating for a new state comprising 15 northern districts of Karnataka. In his letter, Kage alleged that North Karnataka has suffered “stepmotherly treatment” since unification, which he believes has hindered development.

“North Karnataka is rich with resources and has contributed immensely to the conservation of Kannada and to the unification of Karnataka,” Kage wrote. He argued that his call for a separate state is intended to ensure comprehensive development of the region.

Kage also voiced support for a signature campaign launched by the Uttara Karnataka Horata Samiti, which claims to have collected signatures from 10 million people. The group has submitted memoranda to the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Governor, seeking their intervention.

Political Context

The demand has revived a decades-old debate in Karnataka politics, with regional organizations such as the Uttara Karnataka Horata Samiti and Uttara Karnataka Vikas Vedike warning that they may hoist a separate North Karnataka flag at the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha if their demands are ignored during the upcoming winter session in Belagavi.

Kage, a nine-time MLA, has previously criticized the government for its perceived inaction toward the northern region. He claimed that legislative sessions had become mere “two-week excursions” and said flood-affected farmers are still awaiting compensation. In protest, he announced he would forgo government allowances.

Comparison with Other States

Kage compared Karnataka’s size and population with other large Indian states to justify his proposal. “Uttar Pradesh has a population of 21 crore and should be made into four states. Maharashtra has a population of 11 crore and should be made into three states. Karnataka has a population of 6.5 crore; against this backdrop, it should be divided into two states,” he said. Despite advocating for a separate state, Kage emphasized that he would remain a Kannadiga and continue in the BJP.

The proposal has sparked debate over regional development versus state integrity, with leaders like Karjol underscoring the historical sacrifices behind Karnataka’s unification and warning against political moves that could fragment the state.