Maharashtra Leaders Condemn Karnataka’s Denial of Marathi Conference
Several leaders reacted to the decision.
Mumbai: A heated political storm erupted on Monday as Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde condemned the Karnataka government for denying permission to the ‘Marathi Ekikaran Samiti’ to hold their conference in the state.
Shinde lashed out, accusing the Siddaramaiah government of “repressing” the Maratha community by arresting several leaders.
Addressing the media, Shinde declared, “Marathi-speaking people in Karnataka had organized a conference. In this country, one can live anywhere, go anywhere, and organize a conference, but the Karnataka government unleashed a cycle of repression and arrested the MLA, mayor, and more than 100 Marathi-speaking brothers and sisters associated with the Marathi Ekikaran Samiti who had organized the conference. I condemn this.”
He further emphasized that Veer Savarkar, the revered freedom fighter, deserved respect. “I condemn those who are attempting to remove his statue … Our stand is clear; the people of Maharashtra and Karnataka will teach a lesson to the Karnataka government which is resorting to such repression,” Shinde asserted.
Raisiing the Stakes: Calls for Intervention and Union Territory Status
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray echoed Shinde’s condemnation, demanding an immediate halt to the “injustice” against the Marathi people. He expressed his outrage:
“The Karnataka government not only denied permission to the General Conference of Maharashtra Integration Committee being held in Belgaum but also imposed a curfew in Belgaum. Borders are also being closed. Strong protest against this injustice on Marathi people!”
Thackeray passionately defended Belgaum:
“Belgaum is and will always remain an integral part of Marathi identity! I appeal to the Government of Karnataka to stop this injustice against the Marathi people immediately! Nothing takes precedence over the interests of Maharashtra and Marathi people!”
In a bold move, Thackeray even reiterated his support for making Belgaum a union territory, declaring:
“We are ready to unanimously support the proposal to make Belgaum a union territory for the justice of the Marathi people.”
Shifting the Blame: A Fractured National Issue
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Ambadas Danve emphasized that this issue transcended party politics: “This is not a party issue, it is not a BJP, Congress, or Shiv Sena issue. This is a Marathi Manoos issue. Shiv Sena has always stood up for Marathis, and Aditya Thackeray has taken a firm stand. Our priority is that Marathi Manoos, residing in Karnataka’s Belgaum, should be given security and the rights they deserve in a democracy,” he declared.
Dealing with Doppelgängers: Karnataka’s Response
The Karnataka government responded by stating that the decision was taken in light of potential law and order concerns, maintaining that Karnataka has always ensured the well-being of its Marathi-speaking population.
and it Proceeds: Navigating a Complex Situation
The fierce reactions from Maharashtra leaders highlight the sensitive and complex nature of the issue. The Karnataka government, however, insists that its actions are aimed at safeguarding law and order.
The dispute underlines the deep-seated attachment of many in Maharashtra to Historically contested territories, raising luminescence
What strategies could be employed to de-escalate the tension arising from this incident and promote constructive dialog between Maharashtra and Karnataka?
## Maharashtra Leaders Condemn karnataka’s Denial of Marathi Conference
**Interviewer:** Joining us today to discuss the rising tension over the Belagavi border dispute is Dr. Priya Sharma,a political analyst specializing in federal relations in India. Dr. Sharma, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Sharma:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Interviewer:** We’ve seen strong reactions from political leaders in Maharashtra following Karnataka’s denial of permission for a Marathi conference in Belagavi. Can you shed some light on the situation?
**Dr.Sharma:** This situation is deeply rooted in the long-standing Belagavi border dispute. [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belagavi_border_dispute)]While Belagavi is currently a district in Karnataka, it has past ties to Maharashtra, having been part of the Bombay Presidency during British rule.
**Interviewer:** So, how dose this historical context play into the denial of the Marathi conference?
**Dr. Sharma:** The dispute essentially boils down to claims over linguistic and cultural identity. Maharashtra argues that a significant Marathi-speaking population resides in Belagavi and therefore, any restriction on Marathi cultural expression is seen as an infringement on their rights. Karnataka, on the other hand, maintains control over Belagavi and insists on upholding Kannada as the dominant language and culture within the state.This denial of the conference is likely perceived as an attempt to assert dominance and curtail Marathi influence in the region.
**Interviewer:** What are the potential implications of this incident for the already fragile relations between the two states?
**Dr. Sharma:** This incident has undoubtedly escalated tensions. We are seeing strong condemnations from Maharashtra leaders, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see retaliatory measures from both sides. It highlights the need for both states to engage in a meaningful dialogue and find a mutually acceptable solution to this long-standing dispute.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for providing your insights,Dr. Sharma.
