‘Save Channamma Circle’ cry grows louder in Hubballi

Hubballi: Kittur Channamma Circle is an iconic spot in Hubballi and the North Karnataka region. It is often treated as the gateway to NK. Many hit movies like ‘Akasmika' were shot here.
However, the circle is now losing its charm due to the construction of a flyover. As the flyover goes over the circle, it is most likely to become a neglected place. Irked by this, some elected representatives, activists, and followers of Channamma are raising concerns and demanding to shift the idol to the flyover. However, there is no clarity in the DPR on how to retain the beauty of the circle.
Basavaraj Horatti, chairman of the Karnataka legislative council, has written letters to Dharwad DC, MD of Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City Limited, and the HDMC commissioner, stating that currently, the statue is underneath the flyover. "The beauty of Channamma Circle is marred by the construction. It is an insult to Channamma, who fought against the British. It is one's duty to respect such a freedom fighter. Hence, a statue on the lines of another one established in Kittur town should be installed here," he demanded.
Basava Jaya Mrutyunjaya Swamiji, seer of the Lingayat Panchamasali Peetha, Kudalasangama, said that he requested the district administration in Aug 2022 to retain the importance of Channamma Circle. "This circle is the pride of North Karnataka, whereas Channamma is the pride of Kannadigas. It should not be neglected in the name of development. The height of the statue should be increased, and the circle structure should be expanded. If the district administration neglects this, we will convene a meeting of the Panchamasali people and decide on the next course of action," he warned.
HDMC commissioner Rudresh Ghali was unavailable for comment.
About Channamma Circle
Kittur Rani Channamma Circle is a major landmark and is considered the heart of Hubballi. It is close to the Old Bus Stand. The statue of Rani Channamma holding a sword and sitting on a horse was easily visible from a distance of about 500 metres. No vehicle or visitor could pass through Hubballi without seeing this statue. Important roads like National Highway 218 from Vijayapura, 67 from Gadag, and the old Pune-Bengaluru Road meet at this circle. The circle, named after Channamma, who was the queen of the Kittur princely state and is said to be the first woman to fight against the British, has been a platform for various film shootings, protests, and cultural events for decades.