Taking strong exception to the ruling BJP getting a resolution passed in the monthly council meeting of Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) seeking the creation of a Greater HDMC, members of various organisations and other stakeholders have resolved to launch a series of protests opposing the move and demanding approval for an earlier resolution on HDMC bifurcation.

A decision in this regard was taken at a meeting coordinated by Dharwad Swabhimani Horatagarara Samiti at the Karnatak Vidyavardhakh Sangha in Dharwad  on Wednesday.

The participating members resolved to intensify their fight demanding the creation of an exclusive municipal corporation for Dharwad. The way ahead was also discussed at the meeting.

Some of the speakers at the meeting said that BJP leaders are misleading the people of Dharwad by claiming that creation of a Greater HDMC will lead to additional funding running into thousands of crores of rupees.

They contended that even an exclusive corporation will get funds similar to other corporations in the State and it will be meant specifically for Dharwad.

A few speakers also demanded resignation of councillors who have failed to fight for the cause of a new corporation for Dharwad. Those who betrayed the people of Dharwad should also be taught a lesson, they said.

Various modes, including calling for a Dharwad bandh and staging protests in front of residences of leaders opposing a corporation for Dharwad, were discussed during the meeting.

HDMC councillors belonging to Congress Raju Kamati, Shambhu Salimath and Kavita Kabber said that at a time when their fight for a corporation under the guidance of the former MLA Vinay Kulkarni was about to succeed, the BJP made a U-turn.

They expressed solidarity with activists and said that they will abide by the meeting’s decision.

Several prominent personalities, including the former Chairman of Legislative Council Chairman Veeranna Mattikatti, Janata Dal(S) leader Gururaj Hunasimarad, Mahadev Horatti, writer Veeranna Rajur, president of the Dharwad Separate Corporation Development Forum Venkatesh Machakanur, Manoj Patil, Shankar Halagatti, Danappa Kabber, Mohan More, Shivashankar Hampannavar, R.D. Kulkarni, Eshwar Shivalli, Congress leader Nagaraj Gouri and others attended the meeting and extended their support to the cause.

Senior writer Balanna Sheegihalli said that while leaders in South Karnataka worked beyond party lines for the development of their respective regions, politicians in North Karnataka are indulging in dirty politics for credit.

Demonstration

After the meeting, the participants marched to the office of the Deputy Commissioner and raised slogans against Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, MLA Arvind Bellad and said that they are creating hurdles to the creation of a municipal corporation for Dharwad.

Addressing the protestors, president of the Dharwad High Court Advocates Association B.D. Hiremath sought to know why the MLAs who earlier supported the bifurcation of HDMC are now seeking Greater HDMC.

Pointing out that according to a recent Supreme Court verdict, a Bill forwarded to the Governor for assent cannot be withheld indefinitely, Mr. Hiremath said that they have decided to file a public interest litigation petition against the Governor for delaying giving approval.

Earlier, during the meeting, four resolutions were unanimously approved. The meeting resolved to urge the Governor to grant time within three days for a meeting with the delegation.

It also resolved to urge the Governor to immediately give assent to the bifurcation of HDMC and the creation of Dharwad municipal corporation.

The meeting resolved that if the approval is not granted, then a Lok Bhavan Chalo will be launched and a dharna will be staged in front of the Governor’s office.

In the absence of any positive response from the State government, call for a Dharwad bandh will be given as a last resort.

Betrayal

Meanwhile, Leader of Opposition in HDMC Council Imran Yeligar has accused the BJP of betraying the residents of Dharwad and lambasted the party for making a U-turn on the issue.

He told presspersons that the resolution was passed in a hurriedly manner without allowing any discussion, which should be strongly condemned.