Samiti opposes demand to include Vijayapura district under Article 371(J) meant for Kalyana Karnataka

President of Hyderabad Karnataka Horata Samiti Lakshman Dasti addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi on November 3, 2026. | Photo Credit: ARUN KULKARNI Hyderabad Karnataka Horata Samiti president Lakshman Dasti has opposed the ongoing agitation seeking inclusion of Sindagi and Indi taluks, along with Vijayapura district, under Article 371(J) of the Constitution.Addressing a press conference in Kalaburagi city on November 3, Mr. Dasti said Article 371(J) was specifically introduced to address regional imbalances in the seven districts of the erstwhile Hyderabad Karnataka region (now known as Kalyana Karnataka). There was no provision to include areas outside these seven districts under the existing constitutional amendment, he said.Clarifying the Samiti’s stand, he said it had no objection to other regions of Karnataka demanding a separate constitutional amendment to secure special status. However, any attempt to bring Sindagi, Indi or other parts of Vijayapura district under the existing provisions of Article 371(J) would be strongly opposed.He criticised BJP State unit president B.Y. Vijayendra for extending support to the agitation in Sindagi. “Such a stand on a sensitive constitutional issue had hurt the sentiments of people in Kalyana Karnataka,” Mr. Dasti said.Expressing concern over reports that some candidates from Sindagi were allegedly obtaining Article 371(J) certificates unauthorisedly and availing benefits, including MBBS seats, he urged the State Government and political leaders from Kalyana Karnataka region to take the issue seriously.He said the agitation was reportedly aimed at securing formal eligibility for such benefits in the future.Mr. Dasti warned that any attempt to include even a village outside the seven districts under Article 371(J) would invite a strong agitation in Kalyana Karnataka. He called upon organisations, youth and students to remain vigilant, and be prepared to protect the region’s constitutional rights.He urged the State Government to take concrete steps to ensure the effective implementation of Article 371(J). The Samiti reiterated its demand for the creation of a separate ministry to oversee the development of Kalyana Karnataka and ensure time-bound implementation of special status provisions.The government should strictly implement its February 1, 2023, circular to ensure that the region receives its rightful share of posts under the residual cadre and Article 371(J) reservation quota, based on State-level merit, he said.Pointing out that recruitment and promotion-related lapses were repeatedly leading to litigation, Mr. Dasti called for clear and stringent guidelines, on the lines of those followed for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, to safeguard the region’s rightful share in appointments and promotions.He further demanded strict scrutiny of applications before issuing Article 371(J) eligibility certificates to ensure that the benefits reached only eligible candidates from Kalyana Karnataka region. Published - November 04, 2026 10:11 am IST