Belagavi Rajyotsava Meeting Turns Stormy Over Invitation to Mayor, Deputy Mayor

Belagavi: A preparatory meeting for Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations turned tense on Thursday after Kannada activists opposed inviting Belagavi Mayor Preeti Kamkar and Deputy Mayor Hanumant Kongali to the official event.
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The meeting, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan at Zilla Panchayat Hall, witnessed slogan-shouting by activists who accused the two civic leaders of delaying the adoption of a resolution declaring Belagavi an integral part of Karnataka.

Karunadu Kannadigara Sene president Balaram Masenatti and activist Wajid Hirekodi alleged that the Belagavi City Corporation took six months to pass the resolution, claiming it was adopted only after directions from the state government. They demanded that the mayor and deputy mayor not be invited to the Rajyotsava celebrations.

Despite the DC’s appeal for calm, some activists walked out of the meeting. Senior Kannada leader Ashok Chandaragi later intervened and persuaded them to return to the discussions.

Roshan urged Kannada organisations to maintain unity and avoid divisions. He clarified that invitations to elected representatives for official functions would be issued in accordance with established norms.

Addressing concerns over the civic body’s resolution, the DC said it clearly affirmed Belagavi’s status as part of Karnataka and endorsed the Mahajan Commission report in its entirety, reinforcing the state’s position in the border dispute.

Roshan also acknowledged the contribution of Kannada organisations over the past two decades in sustaining the movement and securing the resolution. Senior police and district officials attended the meeting.

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