The decades-long aspiration of Dharwad's residents for a separate municipal corporation remains in limbo, caught in a web of political delays. Even after the Karnataka state government approved the proposal and sent it to the Governor for his assent in May 2025, the crucial file lies in cold storage, dashing hopes for improved civic governance.
A Four-Decade Wait for Civic Justice
For over forty years, citizens of Dharwad have campaigned for their own municipal body, arguing that the current Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) model neglects their needs. Activists claim a stark disparity in fund allocation, with nearly 80% of HDMC resources directed towards Hubballi, while Dharwad receives a mere 20%, despite having comparable population and revenue contributions. This perceived injustice has fueled persistent public agitation.
The movement gained significant political traction during election campaigns, forcing initially reluctant local representatives to change their stance. Key leaders like Hubballi-Dharwad West MLA Arvind Bellad, Dharwad Rural MLA Vinay Kulkarni, and Minister Byrathi Suresh eventually voiced their support. The promise was formalized during the 2024 winter session of the legislature in Belagavi, where Minister Suresh announced that Dharwad would indeed get its own corporation.
Political Roadblocks and Corporator Fears
Following the announcement, the proposal was pushed to the Chief Minister and subsequently to the state cabinet, which approved the necessary bill. However, a full year has passed since it reached the Governor's desk, with no assent in sight. Venkatesh Machakanur, president of the agitation committee and a retired KAS officer, alleges high-level political interference is to blame.
"A lot of politics and a credit-war are playing out," Machakanur stated. "We have been told that Union minister Pralhad Joshi has intervened to see that the governor's assent is withheld. That is why the proposal is stuck." Meanwhile, another layer of resistance reportedly comes from sitting corporators across party lines, who fear the creation of a new corporation might dissolve the current body prematurely. However, the Secretary of the Urban Development Department has clarified that the present term of corporators would not end early and they would be allowed to complete their tenure.
Mounting Costs of Delay for Dharwad
The continuous postponement is having tangible consequences for Dharwad's development. According to Machakanur, the city has already missed out on the Central Government's Smart City project. He further warns that Dharwad stands to lose approximately Rs 200 crore annually in development funds due to the continued delay in forming the independent municipal corporation. Residents feel increasingly deprived of basic civic amenities compared to their neighbor, Hubballi.
With another winter session of the legislature approaching, all eyes are on the elected representatives from the twin cities. The question remains whether they will raise their voices effectively to break the logjam and finally secure the Governor's consent for this long-pending bill, or if Dharwad's dream will be deferred once more.
