Fueling the 70-year-old border dispute between Maharashtra and Karnataka over areas like Belgaum, Karwar and Nipani, Mahrashtra’s chief deputy minister and Karnataka’s chief minister clashed on Wednesday. Maharashtra’s Chief Deputy Minister Ajit Pawar was the first to start when he broached the issue, paying tribute to Balasaheb Thackeray. Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa criticized Pawar’s statement, saying they are aimed at “unwanted controversies”.
“The late Balasaheb had fought all his life for the rights of the common man. He always dreamed of the overall development of Maharashtra and making a united Maharashtra that included Belgaum, Karwar and Nipani. So let’s decide to fulfill this dream, ”said the statement from Ajit Pawar’s office. It aired on the anniversary of Balasaheb’s death on November 17.
Urging Pawar not to make such remarks, Karnataka’s chief minister said: “People who speak Marathi are like Kannadigas. They also belong to us. The Maratha Development Authority has been formed for its development. The statement is only to spark unwanted controversy. I urge you not to make such statements. ”
Maharashtra claims Belgaum and the other areas that are part of Karnataka as they were part of the Bombay presidency. Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray had appointed Chhagan Bhujbal and Eknath Shinde to investigate legal cases related to the border dispute.
Criticizing the creation of the Marathi Development Board, which was announced a few days ago, opposition leader Siddaramaiah said it was a divisive step. “I am strongly opposed to any decision that is made against the interests of Kannadigas. There are many other pressing problems that need help from the government. @BSYBJP should analyze that first to address inequality before hurting Kannadigas’ feelings, ”the former CM tweeted.
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