As Karnataka’s Chief Minister B.S Yediyurappa resigned from his post, BJP high command is looking for replacement. Amongst the various names cropping up for the candidature, Arvind Bellad’s name is picking up steam. Here is all you need to know about the 51-year-old politician.
MLA from Hubli-Dharwad
Arvind Bellad is an MLA representing the Hubli-Dharwad constituency since 2013. He was elected from Hubli-Dharwad West in May 2013. Son of Shri Chandrakant Bellad and Smt Leelavathi C Bellad, Arvind Bellad is the youngest of the five siblings in his family. He is married to Smriti and has two children, named Agastya and Prachi.
Arvind Bellad holds an Engineering degree
A graduate from KE Boards High School and Karnataka Science College Dharwad, Arvind Bellad completed his engineering from SDM College of Engineering Dharwad. He then completed his PGDM in Business Management from INSEAD, France.
Became Popular for his Kindergarten concept in Government schools
Arvind Bellad had kickstarted an initiative in his constituency wherein pre-primary (kindergarten) classes were established in government schools. This was made so that the diminishing enrolment of students in government schools was kept in check. The JD(S)-Congress coalition government also included this idea in one of their budgets.
When asked about this, he had said to the Times of India, “I’m overwhelmed; Kumaraswamy had no qualms about appreciating my pet project and including it in his maiden budget to improve student enrolment in schools.’’
Namma Mane – Namma Bellad
Some of the other initiatives that he has taken up include Namma Mane – Namma Bellad, Namma Krishi – Namma Bellad and IIT in Namma Hubbali-Dharwad. In the Namma Mane – Namma Bellad initiative, Arvind Bellad aimed to build more than 8000 homes for the needy. This was in line with PM Narendra Modi’s dream of giving homes to everyone. While 2500 homes have already been handed over, 3000 homes are under construction.
It was under Arvind Bellad that the white topping technology was brought for the first time to Karnataka when it was implemented in Dharwad. He has also played a crucial role in getting IIT to Dharwad and also in the overall development of twin cities.
There’s a discussion that despite being a perfect candidate, his name was not included in the current cabinet. He even sulked in public about that. His qualifications can definitely replace the old boys political membership. He is just 51 and had exhibited an exceptional leadership qualities. If an option is placed, then why not a young CM?
What’s your take on this?
