Belgaum: Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar declared Kittur as a new Taluk.

Speaking after inaugurating 'Kittur Utsav' here last night, he said this marked the fulfillment of a long pending demand by the people from this part of the state.

An official announcement would be made after placing it in the next Cabinet meeting.

This is 177th taluk in the State.

Mr Shettar said Rs 25 crores would be released for development by Kittur Abivrudhi Pradikar (KDA) and Rs two crore action plan for more developmental works. This is a historic tourist place which should be developed.

'Personally I don't believe in superstition. Some people say Chief Minister is not ready to inaugurate the Kittur Utsav because it was believed that if it was inaugurated power will be lost. 'But I don't believe in the superstition. Inaugurating this function is my luck,' he added.