Karnataka to Rename Ramanagara as Bengaluru South

Karnataka Deputy CM D K Shivakumar announced renaming Ramanagara district as ‘Bengaluru South’. The change aims to leverage Bengaluru's brand for regional development. Shivakumar clarified that only the district's name would change, while Ramanagara town remains unaffected. The decision has sparked opposition from Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar announced on Saturday the government's decision to rename Ramanagara district to 'Bengaluru South'. The aim is to harness the global brand of India's tech capital to chart a new path for the next generation and spur regional development.

Shivakumar stressed that only the district's name would change while Ramanagara town retains its name. The district encompasses four Taluks: Ramanagara, Channapatna, Kanakapura, and Magadi. The Karnataka cabinet approved the name change on Friday, with Shivakumar highlighting Bengaluru's worldwide recognition.

Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy criticized the decision, accusing Shivakumar of political maneuvering. Kumaraswamy questioned why Shivakumar, then the MLA of Kanakapura, didn't protest the original district formation in 2007. Shivakumar rebutted, asserting that Congress will return to power in the next election, nullifying Kumaraswamy's claims.

(With inputs from agencies.)