Protests erupt over villages' inclusion in Buda

Residents of 28 villages surrounding Belagavi city are set to protest the government's recent decision to include their villages within the Belagavi Urban Development Corporation (Buda) jurisdiction. They argue that this move diminishes the authority of Gram Panchayats (GPs) and their members.Former MLA Ramesh Kudachi and former mayor Shivaji Sunthakar have joined in support of the farmers opposing the government's decision. They are preparing to protest under the banner of 'Shetkari Bachao Sanghatana.'The urban development department's instructions prompted the Buda commissioner to issue a notification incorporating these 28 villages into Buda's jurisdiction. Tenders are being solicited to create a revised master plan for the comprehensive development of the city, encompassing all 28 villages. According to Buda Commissioner Shakeel Ahmed, the government's decision will facilitate the systematic development of the city's peripheral villages.Former mayor Shivaji Sunthakar argued that the government's decision was unlawful as it was made without prior notice or consent from the concerned Gram Panchayats. He urged the government to reconsider its order, which he believes is detrimental to the Gram Panchayats, farmers, and their members.Sunthakar added that the government is effectively transferring the powers of Gram Panchayat members to Buda, particularly concerning infrastructure development, without consulting any GP members. This could result in more farmers losing their land, which they strongly oppose. GP members from all 28 villages plan to meet after the Ganesha festival to determine their next course of action.Former Belagavi MLA Ramesh Kudachi pointed out that, according to the law, the government can only include areas within 6 kilometres of Buda. However, in this case, villages located 15 kilometres away from the city are being incorporated into Buda, which he deems illegal. As a member of the Congress party, he expressed his opposition to this move.