Dharwad stir paused till July 8, activists warn of fresh agitation

Dharwad: The indefinite agitation demanding a separate municipal corporation for Dharwad, ongoing for the past 25 days, has been temporarily suspended till July 8.

The Separate Corporation Agitation Committee warned that if the state govt fails to take a decision by then, an intensified agitation, including a 24-hour indefinite satyagraha, will begin from July 9.

Committee president BD Hiremath announced the decision on Monday evening after a non-partisan meeting of protesters. Representatives of BJP, Congress, JD(S) and various organisations took part in deliberations on whether to continue or pause the protest.

Speaking on the occasion, Hiremath said the struggle would continue, but a newly formed govt needs some time to address administrative matters. “While the agitation is suspended, efforts will continue to engage with the govt and submit relevant documents. If no decision is taken by July 8, we will intensify the protest,” he said.

The meeting, initially convened at Karnatak Vidyavardhaka Sangha, witnessed heated exchanges between Congress and BJP leaders, nearly leading to a physical confrontation, forcing organisers to shift the venue to the protest site.

Congress leaders argued the govt needed time and sought a two-month pause, citing communication from the CM’s office. BJP leaders opposed this, recalling earlier assurances of swift approval and demanding action within 15 days.

Despite repeated interruptions and heated arguments, Hiremath appealed for restraint, stressing that the movement was non-partisan. The final resolution to suspend the agitation till July 8 was passed at the protest venue.