In a significant political development, Karnataka’s Urban Development Department (UDD) on Wednesday issued final orders disqualifying Belagavi Mayor Mangesh Pawar and Corporator Jayant Jadhav, upholding the similar Regional Commissioner Order. The much-awaited decision was announced by UDD Secretary Deepa Cholan, bringing an end to months of legal and political wrangling.
The disqualification comes on the grounds of violating the ‘office of profit’ norms, a charge that had been under investigation for several months. Earlier, the Belagavi Regional Commissioner had disqualified Pawar from his corporator post, a decision upheld by the UDD secretary in an initial review. Pawar then moved the Karnataka High Court, which temporarily allowed him to contest and vote in the mayoral election, pending a final order.
Despite the ongoing case, the BJP had fielded Pawar in the mayoral election, and he was elected to the post. However, with the UDD now reaffirming the disqualification, Pawar will lose his position as mayor immediately.
Corporator Jayant Jadhav, who was facing identical charges, has also been disqualified under the same order.
Belagavi South MLA Abhay Patil, had earlier accused state officials of acting under political pressure from the Congress-led government. With today’s decision, the BJP may see this as a setback, particularly as it prepares for upcoming local elections.
Officers of Belagavi City Corporation are expected to initiate the process of electing a new mayor following the vacancy. The disqualification may also lead to by-elections in the respective wards.
The verdict is being closely watched in political circles and may have broader implications on how office-of-profit cases are handled across Karnataka.