Move to dissolve Belgaum corporation

The state government on Wednesday issued a show-cause notice seeking to supersede the Belgaum Corporation as part of its move to take action for boycotting the Rajyotsava Celebrations on November 1. Belgaum mayor Manda Balekundri and deputy mayor Renu Killekar of MES had observed it as ‘Black Day’.

Law and parliamentary affairs minister Suresh Kumar announced the decision to take action against those who insulted the state government and people. “We have

issued show-cause notice seeking explanation from the mayor and deputy mayor as to why the civic body should not be dissolved or superseded,” he said.

The action is being taken in view of mounting pressure from Kannada organisations and many members of Belgaum City Corporation who are protesting against the conduct of mayor and his deputy.

The notice has been served under sections 99 and 100 of Karnataka Municipalities Act, which provides for superseding the elected civic body under unusual circumstances. Two weeks’ time has been given for the civic body heads to submit their reply to the notice.

The state government’s decision led to protests by MES activists in Belgaum on Wednesday evening. They staged protests in the town and burnt the effigy of Jnanapith awardee Chandrashekar Kambar.