Mumbai: The Karnataka government’s denial of permission for the Marathi-speaking community’s grand gathering in Belagavi has triggered widespread anger among residents in the border region. Additionally, the Karnataka Police have imposed travel restrictions on leaders from Maharashtra, preventing their entry into the state. Reports have surfaced of increasing police oppression in Belagavi, fueling further unrest.
Leaders Of Maharashtra Strongly Condemn The Action Of The Karnataka Govt
In response, CM Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and former minister Aaditya Thackeray have strongly condemned the action of the Karnataka government. The leaders made it clear that the issue concerning Marathi speakers in Belagavi will not be ignored and promised to continue fighting for their rights until justice is served.
Speaking in the Assembly, Fadnavis stated, “We will fight till the making of united Maharashtra including Belgaon, Karvar and Nipani.”
Governor CP Radhakrishnan said in his speech that the state government is trying with its full strength in the petition filed before the Supreme Court to resolve the issue of Maharashtra and Karnataka border. The Maharashtra government is implementing educational, health and other schemes on border areas of Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Demand Made By Shiv Sena-UBT Leader Aaditya Thackeray
Thackeray has written a letter to the CM demanding declaration Belgavi as Union Territory. Thackeray emphasised that the injustice, oppression and humiliation faced by the Marathi people in the area will not be tolerated.
He said, “The government must prove whether Marathi speaking people are valued. We want a clear stand on addressing the injustice faced by Marathi people.”
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde Condemns Karnataka Govt’s Action
Deputy CM Shinde condemned the Karnataka government’s opposition to the Marathi-speaking community’s gathering in the border area. Speaking in the Legislative Council, Shinde described the move as unjust and reiterated that the Maharashtra government strongly protested Karnataka’s actions. He referred to the arrest of members from the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti and the house arrest of local representatives by Karnataka authorities.
Shinde pointed out that he himself had faced imprisonment during the struggle for the rights of Marathi speakers. He highlighted that the late Hindu Hriday Samrat Balasaheb Thackeray had always taken a firm stance on this issue, and his government continues to follow that path.
