Siddaramaiah Critiques Aaditya Thackeray's Demand for Belagavi's Union Territory Status as Childish

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah criticised Aaditya Thackeray's suggestion to declare Belagavi a Union Territory, calling it immature. He stated, "It's a childish statement. The Mahajan report is final. So, neither should we ask for anything and nor should they. How can it be declared as union territory? And, if Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti MES protests, will we keep quiet?"

Belagavi Border Dispute

The border dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra dates back to 1957. It began when states were reorganised based on language. Maharashtra claimed Belagavi due to its significant Marathi-speaking population and over 800 border villages with Marathi speakers now in Karnataka. However, Karnataka insists that the linguistic demarcation by the States Reorganisation Act and the 1967 Mahajan Commission Report is conclusive.

Protests and Political Tensions

Aaditya Thackeray accused Karnataka of mistreating Marathi speakers in Belagavi. He demanded the area be made a Union Territory. This demand came amid celebrations of the new government in Maharashtra while tensions rose in Belagavi. The Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti opposed the winter session of the Karnataka assembly, organising a gathering in Belagavi.

Karnataka reportedly banned this congregation and restricted entry to leaders from Maharashtra. The state built the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha in Belagavi to affirm its claim over the region. This building mirrors the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, which houses the State Legislature and Secretariat.

As discussions continue, Karnataka remains firm on its stance regarding Belagavi's status. The historical context and political implications make this an ongoing issue between the two states.