HUBLI
For the first time, Hubli-Dharwad Mayoral elections are likely to be held in Dharwad.
Ever since the establishment of Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC), the Mayoral elections have been held only in Hubli. But this time, in the absence of a meeting hall, the Mayoral elections are expected to be held in Dharwad.
The tenure of the mayor and deputy mayor of HDMC has ended on May 27. The civic authorities are waiting for the date to conduct the mayoral election from the regional commissioner’s office.
Dr Pandurang Patil, senior former Corporator and former Mayor, said it’s not written anywhere that the mayoral elections should be held only in HDMC Hubli. But if they are held in Dharwad for this time, then it will be historic.
Since the establishment of HDMC, there is an unwritten practice of conducting mayoral elections in Hubli, because the elected members in HDMC are more from Hubli city. For their convenience, the practice of conducting elections in Hubballi might have continued, he added.
Of the 82 corporators, 28 are from Dharwad, and the rest are from Hubli, and so are MLAs and an MP. In the absence of a meeting hall to conduct mayoral elections at Hubballi HDMC premises, the authorities are planning to conduct them in Dharwad.
HDMC Council Secretary GB Dambal said they have not yet received the date for the elections from the Regional Commissioner’s office, and the tenure of the current Mayor and Deputy Mayor was over on May 27. Because there is no meeting hall to accommodate 82 corporators and others including MLAs, MLCs and an MP, there is a plan to change the venue to Dharwad. HDMC general body meetings are also being held in the HDMC Dharwad premises.
