With the opposition to the municipal council’s resolution for the creation of Greater Hubballi Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) mounting, council floor leader and former mayor Iresh Anchatageri has defended the move, saying that it will facilitate comprehensive development of both Hubballi and Dharwad.

Addressing a press conference in Dharwad on Saturday (May 2), Mr. Anchatageri elaborated on the reasons for the resolution, passed on April 30, and alleged that Congress leaders and some activists are unnecessarily opposing the move.