Yathindra backs Dharwad civic body split, targets Centre in visit

Hubballi/Vijayapura: Urban development minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah arrived in Hubballi on Sunday and received a warm welcome from Congress leaders and party workers.

Later, he held discussions with a delegation demanding a separate Dharwad municipal corporation. He said the demand was legitimate. “We will consider it seriously and issue a final notification soon. Activists should end their satyagraha,” he urged.

Protester and advocate BD Hiremath said the struggle for a separate municipal corporation has turned into a people’s movement. “All parties, organisations, women’s groups, youth, farmers, workers, businessmen, educational institutions, students, religious leaders, writers, artists, doctors and the general public participated in the non-partisan agitation. A decision to withdraw the protest will be taken after consultations,” he asserted.

MLA Prasad Abbayya explained the need for a separate municipal corporation to the minister. MLA NH Konaraddi and other leaders were present on the occasion.

Speaking to reporters, Yathindra alleged the Union government was running an anti-people administration by increasing petrol and cooking gas prices. Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement that there was public anger against the Congress government and Siddaramaiah was removed as chief minister for that reason, Yathindra said the change was an internal party matter. “Siddaramaiah resigned following the high command’s decision. There were no differences or anger within the party,” he said.

In Vijayapura, he inaugurated Lokamata Ahilyadevi Holkar Jayanti organised by the Kuruba community. He felicitated meritorious students with awards to promote education, achievement, and social values. Karnataka State Women’s Commission chairperson Nagalakshmi Chowdhary, MLA Umesh Meti, Mayor Madivalappa Karadi, Chandrashekhar Nugli and others were present.CID says it has frozen Shivam accounts, warns public against fresh deposits