The prospect of merging Vijayanagara, a district that was formerly split from Bellary, back into Bellary has gained momentum. Minister B Nagendra’s statement has initiated a lively debate, emphasizing that the reintegration of Vijayanagara with Bellary is contingent upon the agreement of the representatives representing the people of Vijayanagara. This announcement has ignited widespread discussions and prompted a renewed exploration of the matter at hand.
During a public address in Bellary, B Nagendra expressed his sentiments regarding the division of the once-vast Bellary district into two separate districts. He described the district’s bifurcation as a deeply distressing event, particularly lamenting the loss of iconic landmarks such as Hampi and the Tungabhadra reservoirs. Nagendra emphasized the close bond between the residents of Vijayanagara and Bellary, referring to them as brothers and sisters.
He further highlighted the legitimacy of their desire to restore the unified district of Akhand Bellari, affirming that their government had previously expressed this aspiration. Nagendra stated that he intends to engage in discussions with the local community and representatives of the Vijayanagara district to gauge their consensus on the matter. If an agreement is reached, Nagendra plans to arrange a meeting with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to further explore the possibility of reunification.
Following his demand for the establishment of the Vijayanagara district, former Minister Anand Singh parted ways with the Congress party and joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). His plea found favor with then Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, who successfully implemented the creation of Vijayanagara as a separate district from Bellary.
With the subsequent appointment of Basavaraja Bommai as the Chief Minister, Vijayanagara officially emerged as the 31st district of Karnataka. However, the recent statement by Minister B Nagendra has now ignited discussions regarding the potential merger of Vijayanagara back into its parent district. This development has raised pertinent questions and rekindled the debate surrounding the future of the Vijayanagara district.