Tensions flared at the Belagavi City Corporation’s monthly meeting on Thursday after Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES)-backed member Ravi Salunke demanded that all official documents and proceedings be made available in Marathi. His demand, supported by fellow MES-backed corporators Shivaji Mandolkar and Vaishali Bhatkande, led to chaos and loud arguments in the house.
The proposal was met with sharp opposition from several members, particularly those from the ruling BJP. Nominated member Ramesh Sontakki criticised the repeated attempts to push for Marathi, stating that although Kannadigas are in the majority in places like Akkalkot, Jath, and Solapur, official documents there are only provided in Marathi, not Kannada. He urged the council not to pass any resolution in favour of Marathi documentation and condemned the MES members for bringing up the issue repeatedly.
Floor leader Hanumanth Kongali insisted that the proceedings should strictly follow the agenda, stating that no member, including Salunke, should be allowed to deviate from it. BJP members strongly opposed Salunke’s remarks, with some even demanding his disqualification for allegedly acting against the interests of Karnataka.
Amid rising tensions and disorder, Mayor Mangesh Pawar was forced to adjourn the meeting for five minutes. The disruption was further fuelled by MLA Abhay Patil, who alleged that support from the Congress had emboldened Salunke’s disruptive behaviour.
When the meeting resumed, BJP members reiterated that the session should proceed as per rules and that no one should interrupt or raise unrelated issues. Mayor Pawar warned that disciplinary action would be taken against members who violated council protocols.
Meanwhile, Salunke, along with Mandolkar and Bhatkande, eventually boycotted the session. As commotion continued, the mayor once again adjourned the proceedings briefly. Later, MLA Abhay Patil urged MLA Asif Sait to intervene, accusing opposition members of stirring up drama for publicity.
