Bellad slams Congress, reaffirms BJP’s stand on Dharwad civic split

Dharwad: Reacting sharply to allegations levelled by the Congress over the separate Dharwad municipal corporation issue, BJP MLA Arvind Bellad on Friday accused the ruling party of making “false claims” and using the issue as a political tool against the BJP.

In a press statement, Bellad said Hubballi-Dharwad is the second largest urban centre in Karnataka and Dharwad, known as an educational hub, houses several universities and premier institutions. Acknowledging that Dharwad’s development had remained neglected for years, the BJP had earlier decided to support the formation of a separate municipal corporation under the leadership of Union minister Pralhad Joshi and local legislators, he said.

Bellad clarified that the BJP had later reviewed the issue in the context of the 16th Finance Commission, as retaining the twin cities together could help secure larger Central grants based on population and accelerate development works. However, respecting public sentiment, sustained protests and popular opinion in Dharwad, the BJP has now firmly reiterated its support for a separate corporation, he added.

He said a BJP delegation led by Joshi and himself had met the governor three days ago and submitted a memorandum, adding that the process was already underway.

Accusing the Congress-led state govt of inaction despite forwarding the proposal nearly 11 months ago, Bellad urged the public and protest leaders not to allow the issue to be exploited for political gains.