Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti Rally
Belagavi: Karnataka police prevented the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti (MES) from organizing its Maha Melava on Monday. The event, set at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Circle, was banned, leading to arrests. For more details : https://www.deccanherald.com/india/karnataka/police-prevent-mes-from-holding-maha-melava-detain-activists-3310530
Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti Rally Demands Merger of Belagavi with Maharashtra
The MES holds the Maha Melava annually during the Winter Session of the Karnataka legislature. The primary demand of the rally is the merger of Belagavi and other Marathi-speaking regions with Maharashtra. These regions include Nippani, Bidar, Bhalki, and Karwar.
The demand is rooted in linguistic and cultural connections. MES claims these areas belong with Maharashtra due to their Marathi-speaking majority.
Police Detain Leaders at Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti Protest in Belagavi
Despite the district administration’s ban, MES activists gathered at Chhatrapati Sambhaji Circle. Police detained key leaders, including former MLAs Manohar Kinikar and Digambar Patil. The administration had imposed prohibitory orders in the area to prevent unrest.
The arrests reflect Karnataka’s strong stance against rallies that could disrupt public order. Activists, however, remain undeterred in their quest for Belagavi’s merger with Maharashtra.
Shiv Sena Activists Supporting MES Rally Stopped at Karnataka Border
Shiv Sena (Uddhav Thackeray) activists attempted to support the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti rally. A group, led by Kolhapur district president Vijay Devane, tried to cross the Karnataka border. However, Karnataka police stopped them at the Koganalli check-post.
The Shiv Sena activists criticized the ban on the rally, calling it unjust. They argued that the move suppressed Marathi-speaking citizens in Karnataka’s border regions.
Maharashtra Deputy CM Condemns Ban on MES Maha Melava
The Maharashtra government reacted strongly to Karnataka’s actions. Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde called it a “suppressive tactic” against Marathi-speaking citizens.
Shinde highlighted that recent discussions with Union Home Minister Amit Shah were promising. Despite this, Karnataka’s actions disappointed Maharashtra leaders. Shinde assured continued support for Marathi-speaking communities in border areas.
Belagavi Border Dispute: Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti Continues Its Fight
The Belagavi border issue has been unresolved for decades. Events like the MES Maha Melava spotlight the ongoing tensions between Karnataka and Maharashtra.
As the Winter Session unfolds, the dispute will likely dominate discussions. Both states remain firm in their claims, with no resolution in sight. The MES and its supporters vow to continue their fight for Belagavi’s merger with Maharashtra.
Follow for more updates on the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti and the Belagavi border issue.
Read also : DK Shivakumar Reviews Preparations for Belagavi Congress Session Centenary Celebrations
