Dharwad Residents Voice Strong Opposition to MLA's Stance on Municipal Corporation Bifurcation
Strong resentment is brewing among significant sections of Dharwad residents following reports that BJP MLA Arvind Bellad has opposed the proposed bifurcation of the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC). This development has sparked widespread disappointment among citizens who have long advocated for an independent civic administration for Dharwad.
Agitation Committee Condemns Change in Stance
Members of the Agitation Committee for a Separate Dharwad Municipal Corporation have expressed deep frustration, stating that Bellad's apparent change in position has dashed the hopes of thousands of residents. Committee member Venkatesh Machakanur emphasized that without bifurcation, what he described as systemic injustice toward Dharwad will persist indefinitely.
"For years, residents have consistently felt sidelined in matters of development planning and equitable resource allocation," Machakanur stated. "A separate municipal corporation is absolutely essential for focused, targeted growth that addresses Dharwad's unique needs and challenges."
Financial Allocation Arguments Challenged
Machakanur directly rejected claims that dividing the corporation would negatively impact funding availability for either city. He argued that allocations from the Finance Commission and various government schemes are fundamentally population-based, meaning both Hubballi and Dharwad would receive funds proportionate to their respective populations.
"The argument that a larger, unified corporation somehow secures more substantial funding is misleading and inaccurate," he alleged. "Under the current structure, Hubballi consistently takes the lion's share of resources and attention, leaving Dharwad with inadequate development focus."
Political Delays and Unanimous Council Support
The committee member revealed that the bifurcation proposal had previously received unanimous support within the municipal council, suggesting broad-based political agreement on the matter. However, he accused certain political interests of deliberately delaying the process at the Governor's office for nearly ten months, preventing implementation.
Machakanur confirmed that the agitation committee has no intention of withdrawing its protest movement. Several prominent forum leaders, including Manoj Patil, Professor Shadaksharayya, MB Katti, and G S Byadagi, have collectively urged MLA Arvind Bellad to reconsider his position.
Accusations of Betrayal and Continued Agitation
The leaders have characterized any attempt to reverse the previously passed resolution supporting bifurcation as a direct betrayal of Dharwad's people and their aspirations for autonomous civic governance. They emphasize that the demand for a separate municipal corporation stems from decades of perceived neglect and imbalanced development between the twin cities.
The committee has vowed to intensify its agitation until the bifurcation process moves forward, highlighting the emotional and practical significance residents attach to having their own independent civic administration that can prioritize local needs without competing with Hubballi for attention and resources.
