Maharashtra leaders condemn Karnataka’s action against Marathi speakers in Belagavi

Maharashtra leaders denounce Karnataka police actions against MES activists, calling for unity and support for Marathi-speaking citizens.

Leaders from various political parties in Maharashtra, including Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, on Monday (December 9, 2024) denounced the “repressive measures” employed by the Karnataka police against Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) activists who were protesting in Belagavi. 

The protests coincide with the winter session of the Karnataka Assembly, which began on Monday (December 9, 2024), at Suvarna Vidhan Soudha in Belagavi, which the MES has been opposing. 

The group had planned a ‘maha melava’ (grand convention) opposing the winter session at Belagavi, but the Karnataka government reportedly barred the event and restricted the entry of leaders from Maharashtra into the State.

Mr. Fadnavis condemned the Congress government’s actions in the neighbouring State against Marathi-speaking citizens in the border areas, including Belagavi, during a statement in the Legislative Council.  He criticised Karnataka’s decision to oppose gatherings of Marathi-speaking people, calling it a violation of constitutional rights. Additionally, he expressed concern over a Karnataka Minister’s statement about removing the portrait of freedom fighter Veer Savarkar from the Karnataka Assembly, terming it serious and unacceptable.

“The Maharashtra government firmly stands with Marathi-speaking people in the border areas. Our fight for a unified Maharashtra, including Belagavi and Nipani, will continue until it becomes a reality,” the Chief Minister asserted. The BJP leader also said that the 12 crore people of Maharashtra and Marathi-speaking individuals worldwide stand in solidarity with those in the border areas.

“The State government has provided education and healthcare services to Marathi speakers in these regions and will remain committed to resolving their issues,” he said. 

Mr. Fadnavis’s deputy, Eknath Shinde, also criticised the Karnataka government for its actions, and said, “the Maharashtra government strongly condemns these actions by Karnataka. I too have been jailed during the struggle for the rights of Marathi-speaking people.”