Karnataka Congress MLA says merge constituency with Andhra. Then, clarifies remark

Hours later, Gopalakrishna said he had sought better irrigation facilities and a special development package for Molakalmuru, not its merger with Andhra Pradesh.

In Short

• Gopalakrishna claims Molakalmuru has long been ignored by governments
• He later says he only seeks irrigation support, development aid for Molakalmuru
• Congress MLA calls reports of seeking merger with Andhra 'misinterpretation'

A Congress MLA has sparked a controversy in Karnataka after appearing to suggest that his constituency be merged with neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, alleging that successive state governments have neglected the region. He later said his remarks had been misinterpreted.

Speaking at an event in Molakalmuru, Congress MLA NY Gopalakrishna expressed anguish over what he described as the continued neglect of his constituency.

“Molakalmuru is not visible to anyone. Other places receive attention, but this town is always ignored. Even its MLAs are not re-elected. It would be better to merge this town with Andhra Pradesh or with Challakere taluk. It pains me a lot,” he said.

Molakalmuru is an Assembly constituency in Karnataka’s Chitradurga district, which shares a border with Andhra Pradesh. Chitradurga is also among India’s poorest districts.

MLA SAYS REMARKS MISINTERPRETED

Hours later, Gopalakrishna issued a clarification on social media, saying his remarks had been taken out of context.

He said he had sought better irrigation facilities and a special development package for Molakalmuru, not its merger with Andhra Pradesh.

“I brought to the government’s attention that Molakalmuru taluk should also receive a special package, with greater priority given to irrigation facilities,” Gopalakrishna, who has served as an MLA since 1997, said.

He also called the portrayal of his remarks as a demand for Molakalmuru’s merger with Andhra Pradesh a “complete misinterpretation”.

UPSET OVER CABINET EXCLUSION

The controversy comes a week after Gopalakrishna publicly expressed disappointment over being left out of Chief Minister DK Shivakumar’s expanded Cabinet.

The seven-term MLA alleged that the Congress leadership was prioritising younger politicians while overlooking senior leaders.

“Younger leaders are being given importance, and senior leaders are being humiliated. This is the reality we are witnessing. We are hurt,” he said.

Gopalakrishna, who was with the BJP between 2018 and 2023, added that he had not decided on his next course of action and would first consult the people of his constituency.

“We cannot take any decision without considering their views. The high command itself has brought us to this level,” he said.

- Ends