In a major political move, Karnataka’s Urban Development Department (UDD) on Wednesday officially disqualified Belagavi Mayor Mangesh Pawar and Corporator Jayant Jadhav, affirming an earlier order issued by the Regional Commissioner. The long-awaited announcement was made by UDD Secretary Deepa Cholan, marking the conclusion of a prolonged legal and political battle.
The disqualification is based on charges of holding an ‘office of profit,’ a violation that had been under review for several months. Earlier, the Regional Commissioner had disqualified Pawar from his corporator role, a decision which was initially upheld by the UDD. Pawar had then approached the Karnataka High Court, which temporarily allowed him to contest and vote in the mayoral election while awaiting a final verdict.
Despite the pending case, the BJP nominated Pawar as its mayoral candidate, and he was elected to the post. However, with the UDD now reaffirming the disqualification, Pawar will cease to serve as mayor with immediate effect.
Corporator Jayant Jadhav, facing similar allegations, has also been disqualified under the same directive.
Belagavi South MLA Abhay Patil had earlier accused state authorities of acting under the influence of the Congress-led government. With the current ruling, the BJP is likely to view this as a setback, especially ahead of the upcoming local body elections.
Belagavi City Corporation officials are expected to initiate the process to elect a new mayor. The disqualification may also necessitate by-elections in the affected wards.
The development is being closely monitored in political circles and could influence the handling of office-of-profit cases across the state.
