BJP MLA Balachandra Jarkiholi has asked the Chief Minister to divide the vast Belagavi district to form Gokak and Chikkodi districts for better administration. "Belagavi is one of the biggest districts in the State. It is too large and unwieldy for easy governance. Division of districts to create smaller ones will lead to administrative convenience, effective governance and benefits to the general public," he said. Currently, Belagavi has 18 Assembly seats across 15 taluks and 506 gram panchayats. Jarkiholi pointed out the difficulties faced by officials and locals due to the district's size. "People from far-off places like Telsang, Khanapur, Sankeshwar or Ramdurg have to travel hundreds of kilometres to reach the district headquarter town of Belagavi. The only way to end such problems is to divide the district," he added. He highlighted that for around 40 years, locals have fought for creating Gokak and Chikkodi districts. Four commissions formed by previous governments recommended the division, and elected representatives have consistently supported this non-partisan demand. "We urge the State government to announce the creation of the new districts in the Winter Session of the State Legislature starting at the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi next week. The Chief Minister should make this announcement and implement his decision soon," Jarkiholi urged.