Border row: Maharashtra issues ultimatum to Centre

After the discussion, both the Houses of the Legislature, in an unprecedented move, were adjourned to express solidarity with the Marathi-speaking people residing in areas along the state8217;s border with Karnataka.

The legislature unanimously passed resolutions urging the Central government to file its version on the issue soon. Though the Maharashtra government had moved the Apex court in 2004 and the court had called for the Centre8217;s version about a year back, the Union government has not filed its affidavit. The case is slated for hearing on August 21, 2006.

8216;8216;We have sought an appointment with the Prime Minister and would meet him along with the Leader of the Opposition Ramdas Kadam of Shiv Sena. The government would engage the best lawyers to plead our case of merging Marathi-speaking areas of Karnataka with Maharashtra,8217;8217; Deshmukh said.

At the MES rally, Deshmukh said: 8216;8216;In Maharashtra, we allow people to get educated in the language of their choice. Karnataka, which has made Kannada compulsory in Marathi-speaking areas, should emulate us. We won8217;t allow persecution of Marathi people and take all possible measures to ensure justice to them.8217;8217;

The border row has been raging ever since the formation of Maharashtra state 46 years ago. The Maharashtra legislature has passed five resolutions in the past over the issue and the sixth one was on Monday.

In Belgaum, the municipal corporation ruled by MES was dissolved by the Karnataka government on November 21, 2005 when it passed a resolution on October 27, 2005 demanding that the city be merged with Maharashtra. Belgaum Mayor Vijay More was attacked by pro-Kannada activists after he was unseated. Subsequently, More visited Mumbai on November 24 and pleaded for Maharashtra8217;s support. He met several politicians, including Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray seeking support.