Once again, a separate State demand for North Karnataka has surfaced   with Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy’s Budget as the trigger. Also a recent statement by Kumaraswamy has fuelled the demand by some organisations and activists for a separate Statehood for the North Karnataka.  However Kumaraswamy blamed the media and politicians for the misreading of his statement and said he stands for a united Karnataka.

He told the media in Bengaluru on Monday that some politicians and a section of the media are misinterpreting his statements relating to the Northern Karnataka. "While speaking at Channapattana recently, I had mentioned what BJP leader B Sriramula had stated on the issue and questioned from where they will get funds for the separate State.  What was wrong in my statementIJ  But since last one week,  a section of the media is terming it as a big mistake done by me and interpreting my statement as against people of North Karnataka," he added.

"I have repeatedly stated that I am for 'Akhanda Karnataka' (Unified Karnataka State) but you (media) are posing it as I am against development of North Karnataka, " he added.

He said, "I don't need to discuss a separate State issue; this issue has been creation of  Opposition politicians and the media. When I spoke in Channapattana, I was only replying to what Sriramalu said in the Assembly regarding North Karnataka... I have said time and again— I want a Akhanda Karnataka. If State is divided, you (media) will also be responsible, if anything goes wrong in the coming days," he added. "I never blamed the farmers, yet they protested. You people distort what I say and put it out. You should introspect,” he told the media.

North Karnataka comprises the districts falling under Bombay Karnataka and Hyderabad Karnataka. While the demand for a separate State had subsided after UPA Government's decision to give special status to Hyderabad Karnataka region under Article 371(J) of the Constitution in 2012.  But after the Budget presented by Kumaraswamy, this has triggered again, demanding a separate State for north Karnataka districts.

A bandh has been called on Thursday demanding a separate State for North Karnataka with several institutions in northern Karnataka set to suspend activities.

Meanwhile, the State BJP is waiting for direction from High Command to capitalise on this issue, as an  opportunity to prepare a ground for the 2019 general elections. BJP strongman and leader of the Opposition BS Yeddyurappa said he is for unified Karnataka and blamed collation Government led by Chief Minister Kumaraswamy for the fiasco. He said in a statement, “Thousands of our elders have shed their blood for the formation of unified Karnataka.  However, going by the recent statements of Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy it looks like that he is conspiring to divide the unified Karnataka. 

Even though the people had voted BJP by electing 104 MlAs, the Congress with 79 seats and JDS with 38 seats have entered into an unholy alliance to form the Government and thus cheated the people.  Kumaraswamy has meted out step-motherly treatment to North Karnataka region.  By asking them whether they have voted for him to demand for loan waiver, the Chief Minister has not only exhibited arrogance but has also violated and insulted the Constitution”.

“ The inexplicable silence maintained by the Congress party — which isproviding a silent support — has raised many doubts. In this background, I will leave for Belagavi tomorrow in order to dissuade and persuade seers of various mutts and other leaders who are holding demonstration for separate Karnataka in front of Suvarna Soudha. 

I will pray and request the seers to remain steadfast for unified Karnataka.  The people of North Karnataka are pained and hurt by the insensitive statement of the Chief Minister.  Some people are trying to take advantage of the irresponsible statement of Kumaraswamy.  BJP will not allow the State to be divided at any cost” he added.