Vinay Kulkarni Returns To Dharwad After Six Years Away From Home District

Former Karnataka minister and MLA Vinay Kulkarni has finally returned to his home district Dharwad after staying away for nearly six years. His return came after the legal restrictions preventing him from entering the district were eased following recent court orders.

Kulkarni reached his residence in the Shivagiri area of Dharwad along with his wife and children. A large number of supporters followed his convoy and gathered outside the house to welcome him. The return marked a significant moment for the Congress leader, who had been unable to visit his own district for several years because of conditions connected with the Yogesh Gowda murder case.

The atmosphere turned festive as supporters welcomed Kulkarni at his residence. They performed traditional rituals and celebrated his arrival. The reception reflected the anticipation among his supporters, who had been waiting for his return to Dharwad.

Before reaching the city, Kulkarni travelled with his children Hemant and Vaishali and visited the Sri Veerabhadreshwara Temple in Harobelavadi village. He later visited the Sri Murugha Math and sought the blessings of the seers before proceeding towards Dharwad.

The restrictions on Kulkarni’s movement were linked to the murder of Dharwad Zilla Panchayat member Yogesh Gowda, who was killed in 2016. The case later came under the investigation of the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The CBI arrested Kulkarni on November 5, 2020, in connection with the case. He spent around nine months at Hindalga jail in Belagavi before being granted bail by the Supreme Court.

While granting bail, the Supreme Court had imposed conditions, including a restriction on entering Dharwad district. The condition was intended to prevent any possibility of influencing witnesses connected with the case.

As a result, Kulkarni remained away from his home district for several years despite continuing his political activities. The restriction became a significant part of his public and political journey during this period.

A recent order from the court dealing with elected representatives, along with permission granted by the 42nd JMFC court, changed the situation. The legal hurdles surrounding his entry into Dharwad were eased, allowing him to return to the district.

Kulkarni’s arrival has therefore attracted considerable attention in Dharwad. For his supporters, the return was more than a routine visit because it came after years of legal restrictions and separation from his home constituency.

His return also brings a new phase in his political activities within the district. With the court allowing him to enter Dharwad, his presence in the constituency is expected to become more visible again.

The Yogesh Gowda murder case, however, remains the legal backdrop to the developments. Kulkarni’s return to Dharwad follows the court’s relaxation of the earlier restriction and does not by itself determine the outcome of the criminal proceedings.

For now, the focus in Dharwad has been on Kulkarni’s long awaited homecoming and the strong response from his supporters. After six years away, the MLA has once again stepped into his home district, bringing an important chapter of his political journey back to Dharwad.