Kannada Organizations Demand Resolution to Affirm Belagavi's Status in Karnataka
In a significant development, more than 20 Kannada organizations in Belagavi have called upon the newly elected mayor, Preeti Kamakar, and deputy mayor, Hanumanth Kongali, to pass a resolution in the Belagavi City Corporation (BCC) general body. This resolution would affirm that the Mahajan Commission report is final and that Belagavi remains an integral part of Karnataka.
Historical Context and Legal Implications
The demand gains importance due to a pro-Maharashtra resolution adopted by the BCC on October 27, 2005. This earlier resolution has been cited by the Government of Maharashtra in its case before the Supreme Court of India. The 2005 resolution sought the merger of Belagavi and other border regions with Maharashtra, based on linguistic considerations and proposed legal actions.
Kannada groups have highlighted that the current composition of the BCC shows a decisive shift, with 55 out of 58 members supporting pro-Karnataka positions. They describe this as a golden opportunity to counter the previous resolution and strengthen Karnataka's stance in the ongoing legal dispute over the region's status.
Response from City Leaders and Meeting Details
In response to the delegation, Mayor Preeti Kamakar and Deputy Mayor Hanumanth Kongali have assured that appropriate steps will be taken at the earliest. A meeting was held under the leadership of Ashok Chandargi, president of the Belagavi District Kannada Organisations Action Committee, to discuss the matter further.
Several prominent Kannada leaders and activists attended the meeting, including:
- Mahadev Talawar
- Shrinivas Talukar
- Ramesh Sontakki
- Wajid Hirekodi
- Balaram Masenatti
- Hucchareddy Shivareddy
- Mahesh Shigihalli
- Prem Chougula
This collective effort underscores the ongoing efforts to reinforce Karnataka's claim over Belagavi amidst the legal and political tensions with Maharashtra.
