No debate, no clarity, says HDMC oppn, slamming the 'no separate corporation' resolution

Dharwad: The opposition in the municipal corporation has slammed the resolution rejecting the demand for a separate corporation for Dharwad, alleging that it was passed without any discussion during the recent general body meeting amid strong protests.Addressing a press conference, leader of the opposition Imran Yaligar claimed that BJP members, including the floor leader, walked out of the meeting without participating in the debate, despite having earlier backed the demand for a separate corporation for Dharwad. He accused the ruling party of misleading the public by now arguing that a larger, unified corporation would attract more funds.Yaligar said that the concentration of civic officials in Hubballi would adversely affect service delivery in Dharwad. This, he warned, could lead to delays in issuing birth and death certificates, granting building approvals and carrying out other civic works. "The Congress government had agreed on the floor of the Assembly to consider a separate corporation for Dharwad. Why this abrupt shift to a ‘greater corporation' model?" he asked.Congress corporators Raju Kamati and Kavita Kabbur also criticised BJP members for allegedly evading discussion during the meeting. They accused the ruling party of trying to deny Congress credit for the separate corporation proposal and of misleading the people of Dharwad.They maintained that the twin cities were not yet eligible for upgradation into a larger corporation and alleged that BJP leaders were treating Dharwad merely as an extension of Hubballi. Calling it a U-turn, they said people would respond at the appropriate time and asserted that the fight for a separate civic body would continue.Reiterating the opposition's stand, Yaligar said consultations would be held with citizens, organisations and political leaders to intensify the agitation. "Our objective is to secure a separate municipal corporation for Dharwad to ensure efficient governance and better civic services," he said.