Overview

• The Karnataka government has officially renamed Ramanagara district as Bengaluru South, with Ramanagara remaining the district headquarters.
• Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar defended the decision, stating it aligns with state jurisdiction under the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, 1964.
• The Union Home Ministry had previously denied a no-objection certificate for the renaming, but the state maintains central approval is not required.
• Critics, including Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, allege the move is motivated by personal real estate interests, a claim the state government denies.
• The renaming has intensified political tensions, with the state planning to explore legal options to address the Centre's opposition.