Belagavi: A star hotel , belonging to the family of BJP leader Umesh Katti , which opened at Dr BR Ambedkar Marg here on Wednesday, aroused curiosity due to its name — UK-27. Many thought that UK stands for Uttara Karnataka as Umesh has been in the forefront in the demand for a separate North Karnataka state Their belief was nullified when Umesh and his son Nikhil made a clarification before reporters. Nikhil said that the name has nothing to do with the separate North Karnataka issue; UK means Umesh Katti and 27 is the family’s lucky number.However, Umesh said that he will continue to raise the issue until justice is meted out to the people of North Karnataka. “Neither do I want the region divided, nor wish to become CM of the state. But there would be no options left if the region is neglected,” he said.Commenting on the Veerashaiva-Lingayat controversy, Katti accused CM Siddaramaiah of playing divisive politics . “Lingayats and Veerashaivas have always been one and Siddaramaiah can’t divide the community in the name of government facilities. I am first a Veerashaiva and Panchacharyas are my gurus. Basaveshwar is also a guru since he brought out the community from inhuman practices,” he said.

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