Parameshwara’s Proposal to Rename Tumakuru as Bengaluru North Sparks Criticism
Karnataka Home Minister’s suggestion draws sharp reactions from opposition leaders, writers, and the public over concerns about Tumakuru’s identity.
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has once again proposed renaming Tumakuru as “Bengaluru North,” a move that has triggered criticism and sarcastic reactions from political leaders and members of the public.
Speaking at a Congress convention in Tumakuru on May 19, Parameshwara said the district’s close proximity to Bengaluru and its fast urban growth make the proposed name change important for future development.
According to him, Tumakuru is located only around 60 kilometres from Bengaluru and should be considered part of the Bengaluru region. He argued that adopting the name “Bengaluru North” could improve the district’s national and international recognition, attracting more industries, investments, and infrastructure projects.
The proposal has revived debates over the Karnataka government’s recent efforts to rename districts by linking them with Bengaluru. Last year, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar oversaw the renaming of Ramanagara district as Bengaluru South.
There were also discussions about renaming Bengaluru Rural as Bengaluru North, although the proposal required approval from the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Parameshwara’s latest remarks have faced opposition from several leaders and public figures. Union Minister of State V Somanna, who represents Tumkur, along with BJP MLA B Suresh Gowda, opposed the suggestion, arguing that Tumakuru has a rich historical and cultural identity that should not be diluted.
Writer Baragur Ramachandrappa also expressed concern and stressed the importance of preserving the district’s heritage and identity.
BJP MP PC Mohan mocked the proposal in a post on X, sarcastically suggesting that the Congress government was trying to rename the entire state after Bengaluru.
He joked that if the trend continued, Mangaluru could become “Bengaluru Beachfront,” Kalaburagi “Bengaluru Far East,” Kodagu “Bengaluru Hill Station,” and eventually the whole state could be called the “Greater Bengaluru Area.”
The proposal has now sparked a wider public discussion over development, regional identity, and the politics of renaming districts in Karnataka.