Bengaluru: Former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai has voiced his concern over the long-standing neglect of North Karnataka, urging the government to take immediate steps to address the region's developmental needs. Sharing his views on X (formerly Twitter), Pai proposed the creation of an eight-lane Suvarna Karnataka Expressway connecting Bidar to Bengaluru. He suggested pairing this infrastructure with industrial hubs to stimulate economic growth and unlock the region’s full potential. "North Karnataka gets step-motherly treatment by the government and needs development. Create Suvarna Karnataka Expressway from Bidar to Bengaluru, 8 lane, with industrial hubs to open North Karnataka for development," Pai wrote in response to a post by BJP MLA Arvind Bellad, who had drawn attention to the issue in the Karnataka Assembly. Bellad Highlights Neglect in Assembly Bellad, an MLA from Hubballi-Dharwad West, criticised the consistent neglect of North Karnataka, stating that the region has seen little progress since Karnataka’s unification 75 years ago. “Dharwad was the hub of the movement against British rule and the Congress government at the Centre. We united with the hope of development, yet today, North Karnataka is treated like it isn’t part of Karnataka,” Bellad shared on X, calling out the disparity in resources and opportunities. A Call for Equitable Development Pai's statement resonates with many who believe North Karnataka has been left behind in terms of infrastructure, economic opportunities, and overall development. The proposed expressway and industrial hubs could serve as a catalyst for change, creating jobs, improving connectivity, and bridging the gap between North Karnataka and other parts of the state. The debate highlights the urgent need for balanced development and equitable resource allocation, ensuring every region of Karnataka can thrive and contribute to the state's growth.