Border row with Karnataka: Maharashtra passes resolution for inclusion of Marathi-speaking areas

The resolution, moved by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in the Assembly and the Council condemned the Karnataka government’s “anti-Marathi” stand. The resolution asserted that every inch of 865 villages, along with Belagavi, Karwar, Bidar, Nipani and Bhalki – where Marathi-speaking population stays in Karnataka – will be a part of Maharashtra.

“The case pending before the Supreme Court will be fought legally with a firm resolve and absolute strength,” the resolution said, adding that the state stands resolutely with the Marathi-speaking people of Karnataka.

It said the central government should urge the Karnataka government to implement the decision taken in a meeting with the Union Home Minister Amit Shah (over the border dispute issue). The resolution added when the chief ministers of the two states had met Shah, it was decided that till the Supreme Court gives its judgment in the matter, it should be ensured that the issue does not flare up any further. However, the Karnataka government took a contrary stand by passing its resolution in the state Assembly, it said.

The resolution further said that the Centre should give directives to the Karnataka government to guarantee the safety of the Marathi people in the border areas.

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray had on Monday demanded that the disputed area be declared a UT till the SC gives its verdict. However, it did not figure in the resolution.