HDMC lands in fresh row after awardees’ list changed overnight

HUBLI: The Hubli-Dharwad Metropolitan Corporation has been drawn into yet another controversy after it allegedly changed the list of awardees overnight, ahead of the Rajyotsava celebration.

The HDMC had planned to confer awards on 67 achievers as part of the 67th Rajyotsava celebration. But the names in the list were changed over night, claimed Congress council member Kavitha Kabbera.

The Corporation has received 176 applications for the award.  A selection committee, headed  by Deputy Mayor Uma Mukanda, was formed with one member each from the BJP, Congress, MIM and JDS. But it is alleged that Mayor Iresh Anchatgeri changed the list drafted by the committee overnight.

Congress member Kavitha Kabbera expressed anger at Mayor Iresh Anchatgeri and Uma Mukunda. “We had worked day and night to prepare a list of deserving people. Why was the list changed? Why was a committee formed if they will present the award to whomever they want?  The selection committee was formed just for namesake. A similar thing happened during President Droupadi Murmu’s civic felicitation programme recently and the Mayor did not consider our opinions this time either”, she said.

Kavitha warned that she will stage protest at the upcoming general body meeting in this regard.

Kavitha Kabbera, who is the Congress-supported corporation member claimed about changed list.

Deputy Mayor Uma Mukanda denied Kavitha Kabbera’s allegation and clarified, “We have scrutinised the final list. Maybe Kavitha is the only one who is disappointed over this issue. No one interfered in this, I am the head of the committee. Everything was done transparently and qualified achievers were selected.”