The former Minister Umesh Katti has again raised the issue of statehood for North Karnataka, albeit his demand has embarrassed the BJP.
In October last, Mr. Katti made the demand for the first time and faced the wrath of the Congress which then demanded that Mr. Katti, who was the Agriculture Minister in BJP government, be dropped from the Cabinet.
On Sunday, he reiterated the demand but the BJP tactically distanced itself from Mr. Katti’s statement, by describing it as an “individual’s opinion”.
His opinion: BJP
Speaking to presspersons, BJP floor leader in the Legislative Assembly Jagadish Shettar said that it was an opinion of Mr. Katti and the BJP was never interested in dividing Karnataka.
A host of steps have been taken up for the comprehensive development of North Karnataka region, Mr. Shettar said.
Under these circumstances, it was not right to demand for a separate State, he said.
