Resistance within Karnataka BJP over Bellari issue grows

The resistance from within the ruling BJP against the Karnataka government's plan to create a new Vijayanagara district by carving out six taluks from Ballari is gaining momentum, with a party MLA on Sunday reminding Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa of their support to him in occupying the top post.

The Chief Minister had earlier this month asked the chief secretary T M Vijay Bhaskar to place the proposal on the creation of the district before the next cabinet meeting.

If approved, Vijayanagara would become the state's 31st district.

"When we heard about the proposal, we doubted for a second on whether we got elected from the BJP or not. In Ballari, there are four MLAs from the BJP. All of us should have been called,our opinion gathered and a decision could have been arrived at," Harapanahalli MLA Karunakara Reddy said.

Speaking to reporters, he said, "We have the highest regard and respect for Yediyurappa. But, he being an experienced person should not have moved so swiftly on the issue."
Pointing out that Hosapet is at a distance of 60 km from Ballari and Kampli at 50 km, Reddy said, Within an hour or so one can reach Ballari, with all this, I dont see any scientific reason in creating separate district, this is my opinion."