Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy opposes proposal

Bengaluru: The renaming of Ramanagara district as ‘Bengaluru South’ gained momentum with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar (DKS) accompanied by elected representatives of the Congress party from the district submitting a memorandum to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah in this regard, here yesterday.

Despite opposition from Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy, JD(S) and BJP workers, DKS seems to have decided to rename Ramanagara district.

According to sources, DKS has cited that renaming of the district would enhance property values, boost development till Mysuru and also helps in the establishment of new industries.

D.K. Shivakumar is said to have appraised the CM about the need for renaming Ramanagara district stating that the only way to expand Bengaluru, which shares borders with Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, was either through Tumakuru or Ramanagara districts.

“The renaming of Ramanagara district will help in the development of Ramanagara, Channapatna, Magadi, Kanakapura and Harohalli taluks. People living in the above taluks including Doddaballapura, Devanahallli, and Hosakote are natives of Bengaluru district. It was for administrative reasons that the district was divided into Bengaluru Urban, Bengaluru Rural and Ramanagara districts,” he added.

Pressing for the need to rename the district with Ramanagara as headquarters, DKS said that a proposal under his leadership was submitted to the CM keeping in view the brand value of Bengaluru which has gained global recognition.

“We are not demanding the formation of a new district. Instead, we are pressing for renaming of the existing district with Ramanagara, Channapatna, Magadi, Harohalli and Kanakapura taluks being a part of it.