Bengaluru: Legislators from the North Karnataka region have been making hue and cry over the state government’s decision about transferring affiliated colleges and research centers of the University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, to a new Integrated University of Agriculture and Horticulture that has been established in Mandya. Opposition party leaders are vocal against the transfer of the university.
Opposition party members are raising the issue during the Legislative Council session on Tuesday. BJP MLCs Talwar Sabanna and P. H. Poojar raised their concerns with Council Chairman Basavaraj Horatti. They further demanded that before taking this decision, the government should consult with the representatives from North Karnataka.
“There is a fear among the people of Bagalkot that their university is being shut down. Was the same process followed when setting up Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences or any other universities?” Sabanna asked.
Poojar underscored the significance of the university and its role in helping local farmers. In response, Horticulture Minister S. S. Mallikarjun stated that the decision was made in the Cabinet due to pressure from Mandya leaders. Disappointed with the minister’s reply, Horatti demanded to know why North Karnataka representatives were not consulted.
Although legislators from all parties were ready for the discussion, in this situation, Horatti agreed to assign half an hour for further discussion on this hot topic.
