The Karnataka government’s refusal to permit a grand gathering of the Marathi-speaking community in Belagavi has sparked outrage among residents in the border region and leaders in Maharashtra. Reports of heightened police actions in Belagavi, including travel restrictions on Maharashtra leaders, have further escalated tensions.
Outrage in Maharashtra
Prominent Maharashtra leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, have condemned Karnataka’s actions. They vowed to stand by the Marathi-speaking population in Belagavi and fight for their rights.
In the Assembly, CM Fadnavis asserted, “We will fight till the making of united Maharashtra including Belgaon, Karvar, and Nipani.” He reiterated Maharashtra’s commitment to resolving the border dispute and safeguarding Marathi speakers’ interests.
Shiv Sena’s Demand for Union Territory Status
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray has written to CM Fadnavis, demanding that Belagavi be declared a Union Territory. Thackeray emphasized, “The government must prove whether Marathi-speaking people are valued. We want a clear stand on addressing the injustice faced by Marathi people.”
He decried the alleged oppression and humiliation faced by Marathi speakers in Belagavi and called for immediate and decisive action to protect their rights.
Deputy CM Eknath Shinde’s Strong Condemnation
Deputy CM Shinde criticized Karnataka’s move to suppress the Marathi-speaking community’s event and highlighted the arrest of Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti members and house arrests of local representatives by Karnataka authorities.
Speaking in the Legislative Council, Shinde recalled his imprisonment during earlier struggles for Marathi speakers’ rights and affirmed, “The late Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray always stood firm on this issue, and this government will follow his path unwaveringly.”
Governor’s Statement on Border Dispute
Governor CP Radhakrishnan addressed the ongoing border dispute, noting that the Maharashtra government is working diligently on the matter in the Supreme Court. He highlighted the state’s efforts to implement educational and health schemes in the border areas to support Marathi-speaking residents.
Rising Tensions in Belagavi
The refusal to allow the Marathi event and the imposition of restrictions have led to widespread anger among the Marathi-speaking population. With leaders from Maharashtra uniting in their condemnation of Karnataka’s actions, the issue has reignited the decades-long Maharashtra-Karnataka border dispute.
Maharashtra leaders have vowed to continue their efforts until justice is served, making it clear that the rights of Marathi speakers in Belagavi remain a priority.