BJP mocks ‘Tumakuru as Bengaluru North’ plan: ‘Soon Mangaluru, Kodagu will be…’

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara’s proposal to turn Tumakuru district into a part of Bengaluru and declare it “Bengaluru North” has sparked intense debate in political circles.

The government put forward the idea to reduce Bengaluru’s heavy traffic congestion and expand the city. However, if Tumakuru is named “Bengaluru North”, questions arise about the fate of Bengaluru Rural district. In July 2025, the state Cabinet had already decided to call Bengaluru Rural “Bengaluru North.” Now, Parameshwara’s proposal could create administrative confusion over naming.

Additionally, the proposal for a second international airport for Bengaluru is crucial for Tumakuru. A site between Kunigal and Nelamangala has been identified, but the government is also considering alternatives like Kanakapura Road, posing challenges to Tumakuru’s aspirations.

Controversy and confusion

Of course, decentralizing Bengaluru is necessary to reduce traffic and overcrowding. But how practical is it administratively and geographically to merge an entire district into the capital? Is this proposal purely for Tumakuru’s development, or is it a political strategy to expand Tumakuru’s influence in the future?

Opposition BJP leaders have criticized the proposal. MP PC Mohan mocked it on social media, saying that at this rate, Mangaluru will become “Bengaluru Beachfront”, Kalaburagi “Bengaluru Far East”, Kodagu “Bengaluru Hill Station”, and the entire state will turn into “Greater Bengaluru Area.”

Also read: Pragatiyatta Karnataka: Govt to showcase 3-year achievements in Tumakuru

For perspective, Mangaluru is 345 km west of Bengaluru, Kalaburagi 636 km to the north, and Kodagu 253 km to the west-south west, in the border or coastal regions of the state.

Industrial corridor

Tumakuru, about 75 km to the north-west of Bengaluru, is already a rapidly growing industrial hub. As a major part of the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, Tumakuru is developing quickly. The Japanese Industrial Township in Vasanthanarasapura is already operational, strengthening the district’s economy.

Due to highway connectivity and geographical proximity, Tumakuru is seen as the best option to merge with Bengaluru. For this reason, Parameshwara has requested Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to provide Metro Rail connectivity to Tumakuru. A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is being prepared for a 59-km Metro line from Madavara to Tumakuru, estimated to cost Rs 20,896 crore.

Parameshwara’s justification

Speaking at the Congress government’s third-year celebration programme Pragatiyatta Karnataka in Tumakuru on Tuesday (May 19), Parameshwara said just as Ramanagara (50 km from the city centre) is considered “Bengaluru South”, Tumakuru should be declared “Bengaluru North” since it is very close to Bengaluru. He added that in future, Tumakuru must become an integral part of Bengaluru, and he pledged to make every effort towards this.

Also read: How Bengaluru to Hyderabad, Chennai bullet trains will help Karnataka

Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has also supported this proposal. He stated that expansion towards Tumakuru is the only solution to reduce Bengaluru’s congestion. He added that he would join Parameshwara’s dream of making Tumakuru a “second Bengaluru”.

(This article was originally published in The Federal Karnataka.)