Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 8: Following recent renaming developments such as Ramanagara being renamed as Bengaluru South and rising demands to rename Tumakuru as Bengaluru North, a similar movement has gained traction in coastal Karnataka, calling for Dakshina Kannada (DK) district to be officially renamed as Mangaluru district.

Supporters of the proposal argue that the name ‘Dakshina Kannada’ lacks recognition outside the state and has failed to establish a strong public identity. In contrast, Mangaluru, the district headquarters, is already a well-established brand known nationally and internationally for its contributions to banking, healthcare, education, and industry. Legal experts believe that aligning the district’s name with its principal city would strengthen its identity and enhance its economic appeal.

Historically, the district has long been associated with Mangaluru. Until the delimitation of constituencies in 2008, the Dakshina Kannada Lok Sabha seat was officially known as the Mangalore constituency, a name it had retained since 1951.

Before the linguistic reorganisation of states, the parliamentary constituency included present-day Dakshina Kannada, Kasargod, and Kanhangad (now in Kerala). Several political leaders across party lines have now expressed their support for the renaming. BJP MP Capt Brijesh Chowta, who represents Dakshina Kannada, has been advocating for the name change since he assumed office last year.

Initially hesitant to speak publicly about the matter due to political sensitivities, Chowta raised the issue during a post-election interaction hosted by the Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), stating that the demand should emerge organically from the people.

Congress MLC Ivan D’Souza also voiced support for the change, urging the Karnataka government to make a decision soon. “There is political consensus on this matter. Mangaluru is already a globally recognised brand. Renaming the district after the city will strengthen our identity and accelerate development,” he said.

Ivan added that many industrialists, entrepreneurs, and residents have contacted him in support of the move, describing it as a long-overdue correction that reflects the district’s economic and cultural status.

Mangaluru City South BJP MLA D Vedavyas Kamath also backed the demand, stating that ‘Dakshina Kannada’ has no historical or cultural relevance to the land. “During Portuguese and British rule, the Tulunadu region was referred to as South Canara. After independence, during state reorganisation, it was renamed Dakshina Kannada. But historically, the name does not represent the identity of this region,” he asserted.

Kamath extended his full support to the ‘Mangaluru District Tulupara Horata Samiti’, a coalition of religious, political, and community organisations pushing for the name change. He emphasised that legal procedures must be followed, as in similar renaming initiatives in states like Uttar Pradesh. Calling for unity among all Tuluvas, Kamath urged the state government to respect and uphold the sentiments of the people of Tulunadu.