Minister Promises to Raise Pro-State Resolution on Belagavi
Karnataka's minister has pledged to take up a resolution declaring Belagavi as an integral part of the state at the government level, according to activists who met him on Monday. The move comes amid the long-standing border dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra over Belagavi, which both states claim as their own.
Activists Push for Resolution to Strengthen Legal Case
Activists from the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike and other pro-Kannada groups met Minister for Major and Medium Industries, who assured them that he would raise the issue with Chief Minister and the state cabinet. They argued that if the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) passes a resolution declaring Belagavi as an integral part of Karnataka, it would provide an opportunity for the state government to submit the resolution before the Supreme Court in support of its case. The minister reportedly said he would discuss the matter with the chief minister and take appropriate steps.
Background of the Belagavi Border Dispute
Belagavi, located in northwestern Karnataka, has been a flashpoint in the interstate border dispute for decades. Maharashtra claims the city and several other Kannada-speaking areas, citing linguistic and historical reasons. The matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court, which has been hearing the case since 2004. Karnataka has maintained that the regions are an integral part of the state based on the States Reorganisation Act, 1956, and subsequent linguistic demarcations.
Political Reactions and Implications
Pro-Kannada activists have welcomed the minister's assurance, stating that a clear resolution from the BCC would bolster Karnataka's position legally and politically. However, the dispute remains sensitive, with both states having passed resolutions in the past asserting their claims. The Supreme Court has urged both sides to maintain peace and avoid provocative statements. The minister's promise is seen as a step to consolidate Karnataka's stance ahead of the next court hearing.
