Ex-MLA demands division of Mysuru

BENGALURU: With an eye on the December 5 byelections, disqualified MLA AH Vishwanath on Monday urged the government to carve out a new district with Hunsur as its headquarters by dividing Mysuru district. He also urged the government to name the new district after former chief minister Devraj Urs.
Vishwanath met chief minister BS Yediyurappa in Bengaluru and submitted a memorandum stating that dividing Mysuru district would benefit people besides providing administrative convenience.“With eight taluks and Mysuru city population crossing 12 lakh, officials are finding it difficult manage day-today administration,” Vishwanath said.
He said the new district could comprise Hunsur, KR Nagar, Periyapatna, HD Kote and Sargur taluks. He also suggested carving out new Saligrama taluk by dividing KR Nagar taluk. The former minister said he would discuss the proposal with elected representatives from these five taluks.
Vishwanath’s proposal drew sharp criticism from the opposition with former chief minister Siddaramaiah saying Vishwanath is indulging in political games. “Hunsur is located 30km from Mysuru and the government cannot form a new district for every 30km,” Siddaramaiah shot back when asked about Vishwanath’s demand. “It is not feasible. There is no need to divide Mysuru district.”
Former JD(S) minister SR Mahesh wondered why Vishwanath didn’t demand bifurcation of the district when he represented Hunsur segment. “This is his new drama,” Mahesh said pointing to the bypolls. “He needs a poll agenda to go before the people. Otherwise he will face some tough questions,” he told reporters, asserting that Vishwanath’s demand is to divert people’s attention.
Hunsur and KR Nagar are well-developed as they are part of Mysuru district, Mahesh claimed.
BJP MP V Srinivasa Prasad refused to speak about the demand. The State Sugarcane Growers Association chief Kurbur Shantakumar also opposed the move.