Political twist in Dharwad corporation demand sparks fresh row
Dharwad : A fresh political controversy has erupted in the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation after the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party reversed its earlier stand on carving out a separate corporation for Dharwad and instead pushed for a unified “Greater Corporation” model.
The twin-city civic body, considered one of the largest in the state with 82 wards and a population of nearly 13 lakh, has long witnessed demands from Dharwad residents for administrative separation. The demand stemmed from allegations that a disproportionate share of funds and development projects were being directed towards Hubballi, leaving Dharwad relatively neglected.
Earlier, both the BJP and the Indian National Congress had supported the separation demand. A resolution was passed in the corporation council and forwarded to the state government. Responding to sustained pressure, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had even announced the formation of a separate Dharwad municipal corporation last year.
However, the BJP has now taken a U-turn, arguing that division could weaken the financial viability of both entities. According to party leaders, if Dharwad is separated, it may be left with only around 26 wards out of the existing 82, raising serious concerns about revenue generation and administrative sustainability.
Another complication arises from the proposed inclusion of four gram panchayats into the Dharwad corporation limits. Local resistance from these panchayats has stalled the plan, forcing authorities to consider partial inclusion of land areas without administrative merger—an arrangement critics say could create further governance confusion.
The BJP has also alleged that the move to divide the corporation may be politically motivated, linking it to parallel plans to upgrade Mysuru into a Greater Municipal Corporation. Leaders claim that dismantling the Hubballi-Dharwad structure could clear the way for prioritising Mysuru’s elevation.
Financial considerations have further intensified the debate. Under the 16th Finance Commission guidelines, urban local bodies with populations between 10 lakh and 40 lakh are eligible for substantial grants. A split could bring both Hubballi and Dharwad below the threshold, potentially resulting in significant loss of funds.
With both political parties now at odds over the issue, uncertainty looms over the future of the civic structure. Residents and stakeholders await clarity as the matter is expected to escalate further in the coming weeks.
