Bengaluru Rural to be Renamed; University Named After Manmohan Singh
In a significant decision taken during Wednesday’s Cabinet meeting, the Karnataka government approved the renaming of Bengaluru Rural district to Bengaluru North and Bagepalli town to Bhagya Nagar. Additionally, the Bengaluru City University will now be named after former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, who passed away in December 2024.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah defended the renaming of Bagepalli, noting that it was based on the request of the local legislator and clarified the Telugu origin of the word “palli”. The decision follows a similar move earlier to rename Ramanagara district as Bengaluru South, which drew criticism from the Janata Dal (Secular).
Development Boost for Chickballapur
The Cabinet also announced multiple development projects for the Chickballapur district:
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A second Bengaluru North University campus at Amaravati village in Sidlaghatta taluk at ₹123.5 crore
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An international flower auction centre at ₹10 crore
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Construction of a reservoir in Chintamani at ₹36 crore
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₹11 crore for MRI equipment at Nandi Institute of Medical Sciences
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Renovation of hospitals in Bagepalli and Chickballapur at ₹36 crore
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Water filling project for 164 tanks in Sidlaghatta and Chintamani
Out of ₹3,400 crore worth of approved projects, ₹2,050 crore will go to the Bengaluru Revenue Division.
Education and Healthcare Expansions
The Cabinet also approved:
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14 new residential schools across the State costing ₹306 crore
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Residential schools for children of construction workers in every district at ₹1,125 crore
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Community health centres in areas lacking primary health care
Mining Cases Under Scrutiny
A Cabinet subcommittee on mining will be set up under Law Minister H.K. Patil to study illegal mining cases handled by the Lokayukta. Patil recently raised concerns in a letter to the Chief Minister over the delay in investigations and claimed a loot of ₹1.5 lakh crore.
The BJP has opposed the renaming of Bengaluru City University in honour of Manmohan Singh, marking yet another political flashpoint.
This series of renaming and approval of projects reflects the government’s strategy to localise identity politics while focusing on development in key regions.
