Horata Samiti opposes inclusion of Vijayapura district under Article 371(J)
The organisation stated that the constitutional amendment is specifically for the seven districts of the Kalyana Karnataka region.
Horata Samiti president Lakshman Dasti has opposed the agitation seeking to include Vijayapura district, along with Indi and Sindagi taluks, under Article 371(J) of the Constitution, according to The Hindu.
Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi city on November 3, Dasti said the constitutional amendment was created to tackle regional disparities within the seven districts of the former Hyderabad Karnataka region, now called Kalyana Karnataka.
Dasti said there is no provision in the current amendment to include areas outside those seven districts. While the Samiti has no objection to other Karnataka regions seeking a separate amendment for special status, it will strongly oppose any attempt to bring parts of Vijayapura under the existing Article 371(J) provisions.
The Samiti president criticised BJP State unit president B.Y. Vijayendra for supporting the agitation in Sindagi, stating that such a position on a sensitive constitutional matter has hurt the sentiments of people in Kalyana Karnataka.
Dasti also raised concerns regarding reports that some candidates from Sindagi are allegedly obtaining Article 371(J) certificates without authorisation to access benefits like MBBS seats. He urged the State Government and local political leaders to take the matter seriously.
The Samiti demanded the creation of a separate ministry to oversee development in Kalyana Karnataka. Dasti also called for strict scrutiny of applications for eligibility certificates and the implementation of the February 1, 2023, circular to ensure the region receives its share of posts.