Protests staged over alleged neglect of north Karnataka

Condemning alleged negligence of the state government towards North-Karnataka region, different forums staged a dharna in-front of Suvarna Vidhana Soudha (SVS) here today.
B D Hiremath, president of North-Karnataka Development Forum, demanded that the government issue a white paper on the release of developmental funds to North-Karnataka. He alleged that, consecutive governments since unification of Karnataka had neglected this region.
If the same attitude continued then with no option left out, fight for separate state will be intensified, he cautioned the state government.
Rajiv Topannavar, chief of Karnataka Navanirmana Pade (KNP) criticised the state government for "step motherly attitude" towards North-Karnataka.

He cautioned that complete North-Karnataka bandh will be called if the government failed to take decision on shifting of the government offices to SVS during winter session of legislature. JD(S) leader Ashok Pujari said it's unfortunate that people of North-Karnataka have to fight for winter session in Belgaum.
The forums submitted memorandum to the chief minister through Tahasildar of Belgaum. Former minister Shashikant Naik, and leaders various Kannada outfits participated in dharna.
Belgaum district Congress President Laxmi Hebbalkar commenting on dharana said that it is a political stunt to gain publicity.
In a press release, she said government is focusing on the development of North-Karnataka and has already set up Police Commisionerate in Belgauml, Brindavan model garden in-front of SVS, high-tech bus stand and many projects had been sanctioned for Belgaum city, she said.