Lok Bhavan meetings raise hopes for Dharwad Municipal Corporation

Dharwad: Prolonged tussle over the creation of a separate Dharwad Municipal Corporation (DMC) appears to be nearing a decisive end with Congress and BJP leaders making a united push before the Governor for immediate assent to the bill.

In a significant political development, Union minister Pralhad Joshi and district minister Santosh Lad met the governor on consecutive days along with delegations of agitators and appealed for early approval to the legislation seeking bifurcation of the HDMC, and the formation of a separate civic body.

The bill was earlier passed by Karnataka legislature and sent to the Governor for assent. The demand for a separate corporation has remained a major political and emotional issue in Dharwad, with both Congress and BJP backing it during the Assembly election campaign.

The issue turned contentious after MLA Arvind Bellad and MLC Pradeep Shettar reportedly urged the Governor not to clear the bill. BJP-ruled HDMC also opposed bifurcation, citing concerns over Central funds and integrated development. The move triggered resentment in Dharwad, with DMC groups accusing some BJP leaders of stalling the long-pending demand.

Amid mounting pressure, Joshi on Tuesday led leaders to Raj Bhavan and urged the Governor to respect the residents of Dharwad by granting assent to the bill. A day later, Santosh Lad too met the Governor and pressed for immediate approval.

Speaking to TOI after the meeting, Lad said the Governor responded positively to the delegation’s appeal and expressed optimism that the bill would soon receive assent. Agitation committee leader Venkatesh Machaknur said the Governor’s response has renewed hopes among the people of Dharwad.

Machaknur, however, clarified that the indefinite agitation would continue until the bill receives constitutional approval. Meanwhile, the protest in front of the HDMC office in Dharwad entered its sixth day on Wednesday, with several organisations joining the agitation.