“We would like to join Vijayapura district if Athani is not made a separate district,” former MLA Mahesh Kumathalli said in Belagavi on July 7.

“The CM has said that the government of Karnataka is open to the idea of dividing Belagavi district. MP Iranna Kadadi has demanded creation of Gokak district, among others. We have been demanding the creation of Athani district. If the government does not create Athani district, add Athani taluk to Vijayapura district. It is closer than Belagavi. Athani is 190 km from Belagavi, but only 65 km from Vijayapura. The people of Athani depend on Vijayapura for everything. They come to Belagavi only for administrative tasks. People from villages like Telsang and Kottalagi have to travel for 6-8 hours to come to Belagavi. That is why, we have been demanding a separate Athani district,” he told reporters in Belagavi.

Mr. Kumthalli, who is considered a loyal follower of BJP MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi, said the rebels in the State BJP are not looking for change of leadership in the party, but for settlement of some minor issues.

“The party high command will soon take a decision on the appointment of the party president, after consulting all the leaders and office-bearers,” he said.