Hubballi: The recitation of a religious text at a govt programme in Hubballi has triggered controversy. The event, held to lay the foundation stone for development works worth Rs 10 crore by the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, public works department, and Hescom at Ward No. 34, Vishal Nagar, was attended by district minister Santhosh Lad and senior officials. Deputy opposition leader in the assembly Arvind Bellad alleged that officials converted the govt event into a party function by allowing the recitation of a religious text on stage and violating protocol. He said Congress banners and symbols were displayed instead of official ones, terming it a misuse of public funds. Bellad has written to the chief secretary seeking legal action against the officials concerned, including HDMC commissioner Rudresh Gali and ZP CEO Bhuvanesh Patil, for failing to ensure protocol compliance. He warned that if no action is taken, he will raise the matter in the assembly session.
