Bandh observed in Ballari; CM convenes meeting on bifurcating

Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa has convened a meeting of legislators and parliamentarians from Ballari, where a bandh was observed on Tuesday, opposing the state government's plan to bifurcate the district to create a new Vijayanagara district.

There is stiff resistance, especially within sections of the ruling BJP, against the proposal to create the new district by carving out six taluks from Ballari.

Yediyurappa has called a meeting of MLAs, MLCs and MPs representing Ballari district on Wednesday athis home office Krishna here to discuss the issue, CMOofficials said.

Police said the bandh called by various organisations in Ballari, opposing bifurcation passed off peacefully and normal life was not affected much.

"It has been peaceful. Life is mostly normal, public transport is also operating. Most schools and collegesalso functioned.

Protests were held at main circles andcommercial establishments shut for some time on their own to express solidarity.. Things are getting back to normal," Ballari Superintendent of Police C K Baba told PTI.

Much to the concern of the Yediyurappa government,several BJP leaders from Ballary like Minister B Sriramulu, MLAs Somashekar Reddy and Karunakara Reddy are against the division of Ballari.

Voicing opposition to the move, Somashekar Reddy who had earlier threatened to quit as MLA had said on Monday that "anyapproval for a separate Vijayanagara district will ignite a fire. We will not allow it to happen."
As per the plan, Hosapete, Kampli, Hagaribommanahalli,