Maharashtra political leaders, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, have condemned the “repressive measures” taken by the Karnataka police against Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) activists protesting in Belagavi.
The protests coincided with the start of the Karnataka Assembly’s winter session on December 9, 2024, at Suvarna Vidhan Soudha in Belagavi, which the MES has opposed. The group had planned a ‘Maha Melava’ (grand convention) to voice their opposition but reported that the Karnataka government blocked the event and restricted entry for Maharashtra leaders.
Fadnavis condemned the Congress-led government in Karnataka for its actions against Marathi-speaking citizens in the border regions, including Belagavi. He called the state’s ban on gatherings of Marathi speakers a violation of constitutional rights. Fadnavis also expressed concern over a Karnataka minister’s statement about removing the portrait of freedom fighter Veer Savarkar from the Karnataka Assembly, calling it serious and unacceptable.
“The Maharashtra government stands firmly with the Marathi-speaking people in the border regions. Our struggle for a unified Maharashtra, including Belagavi and Nipani, will continue,” Fadnavis declared. He emphasized that the 12 crore people of Maharashtra and Marathi speakers worldwide support the cause. The Chief Minister added that the state government has provided education and healthcare services to the Marathi community in these areas and remains committed to addressing their issues.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also condemned Karnataka’s actions, recalling his own imprisonment during the struggle for the rights of Marathi-speaking people. “Our government upholds Balasaheb Thackeray’s vision and remains dedicated to the cause. Legal representatives have been appointed in the Supreme Court to fight this matter, and discussions have been held with Union Home Minister Amit Shah,” Shinde added.
Fadnavis and Shinde’s remarks came in response to a question raised by Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader, Ambadas Danve.
The dispute over Belagavi dates back to 1966, when Maharashtra claimed administrative rights over the region, including 865 villages in Bidar, Belagavi, Karwar, and Kalaburagi districts of Karnataka. The matter is currently under review by the Supreme Court.
“Declare Union Territory”
Meanwhile, Aaditya Thackeray reiterated his demand for Belagavi to be made a Union Territory. He criticized the situation for Marathi speakers in Belagavi, stating that it has worsened and accused the previous Karnataka government of making unfulfilled promises to the region’s Marathi population.
Thackeray also called for Belagavi to be declared a Union Territory, emphasizing the oppression faced by Marathi speakers.
Political Reactions
Maharashtra Congress President Nana Patole questioned why the BJP remained silent when Marathi speakers in Belagavi faced atrocities under the previous BJP government in Karnataka. He urged the BJP, now in power at the Centre, to take action.
Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan assured that Maharashtra was “strongly representing” its position in the Supreme Court and highlighted ongoing efforts to implement schemes for the benefit of Marathi speakers in the border area.
Savarkar’s Legacy
BJP State President Chandrashekhar Bawankule condemned Karnataka’s decision to remove the portrait of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar from the Legislative Assembly, calling it an insult to India’s freedom struggle. Bawankule described the move as part of the Congress’s attempt to undermine Savarkar’s legacy and questioned whether Uddhav Thackeray would speak out against his allies’ actions.
He further accused Uddhav Thackeray of abandoning Hindutva for political gains, referring to his party as “Tipu Sena” and claiming that those who insult Savarkar and his legacy will not be forgiven by history.
